First Cabinet Meeting of the New SL Government Held

November 20, 2024

The newly elected National People's Power (NPP) government had their first cabinet meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on the 19th of November 2024. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired the meeting. The appointment of Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa as Cabinet Media Spokesperson was one of the meeting's highlights. Dr. Jayatissa is the Minister of Health and Mass Media as well.

This meeting comes a day after the new cabinet's official swearing in event, which took place on the 18th of November 2023 at the same location.

Swearing In of the New Cabinet

The NPP government’s new cabinet has 22 members. It includes experienced politicians, academics and professionals. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads the government. He took charge of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance, Planning and the Digital Economy.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is the new Prime Minister. She was also appointed as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. The cabinet’s responsibility to focus on economic development, youth empowerment, technology and social security sectors was divided among the ministers.

Complete List of Cabinet Ministers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake: Minister of Defence,/ Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Digital Economy.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya: Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.
Mr. Vijitha Herath: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Prof. Chandana Abeyratne: Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
Attorney Harshana Nanayakkara: Minister of Justice and National Integration.
Ms. Sarojani Savithri Paulraj: Minister of Women and Child Affairs.
Mr. K.D. Lalkantha: Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Irrigation.
Mr. Anura Karunathilake: Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing.
Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar: Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.
Prof. Upali Pannilage: Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.
Mr. Sunil Handunneththi: Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
Mr. Ananda Wijepala: Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
Mr. Bimal Rathnayake: Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation.
Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi: Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa: Minister of Health and Media.
Mr. Samantha Vidyarathna: Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure.
Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage: Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Mr. Wasantha Samarasingha: Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development.
Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena: Minister of Science and Technology.
Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando: Minister of Labour.
Eng. Kumara Jayakody: Minister of Energy.
Dr. Dhammika Patabandi: Minister of Environment.

A New Era for the Nation

The NPP government’s cabinet is seen as a transformative force. It aims to address national challenges with innovation, expertise and accountability. The coming months are crucial. The government will tackle economic recovery, digital transformation and social welfare. They aim to build trust and confidence among the people.