Sri Lanka appoints first female Acting Secretary to President

Chandani Wijewardena was appointed as the Acting Presidential Secretary, marking the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a woman assumed this esteemed position. 

The appointment comes as President’s Secretary, Saman Ekanayake, accompanies the President on an official visit to India.

The decision was announced on Thursday (20) and will remain in effect until Saman Ekanayake returns to the island. 

Chandani Wijewardena, an accomplished senior civil servant, is currently serving as a Senior Additional Secretary to the President, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

Her illustrious career spans back to 1994 when she joined the Sri Lanka Planning Service. 

Over the course of 22 years, Wijewardena held various critical positions within the Treasury and ultimately rose to the position of Director General of the Planning Department. 

Notably, Chandani Wijewardena has also held significant leadership roles in various ministries. From 2015 to 2019, she served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Development Strategy and International Trade, contributing her insights and skills to the nation’s economic development.

Her appointment represents a significant milestone for gender equality and serves as an inspiration for women across the country, said the President's Media Division.

Source: PMD