In a notable development within Sri Lanka’s economic leadership circle, Senior Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs Duminda Hulangamuwa has declined a request to assume the role of Finance Secretary, a position soon to be vacated by the retirement of Mahinda Siriwardena.
According to a weekend media report citing highly placed sources, Hulangamuwa was approached to take over as the nation’s top financial bureaucrat following Siriwardena’s impending retirement scheduled for June. However, the proposal has been politely turned down.
The reason, the report notes, stems from Hulangamuwa’s current role as a director of a private company—a position he is not inclined to relinquish. The dual responsibilities, he reportedly believes, could present a conflict of interest or demand a level of public service commitment that would compromise his existing obligations in the private sector.
Hulangamuwa, a figure well-regarded in economic and financial circles, has played a behind-the-scenes advisory role on economic reform and recovery strategies over the past year. His refusal to step into the Finance Secretary role now raises questions about the government’s succession planning within one of the most sensitive and critical ministries.
As Mahinda Siriwardena prepares to step down, attention now turns to who might be next in line to assume the reins at the Finance Ministry. With Sri Lanka still navigating delicate debt restructuring efforts and balancing its obligations to both the IMF and domestic stakeholders, the decision on the next Finance Secretary is expected to be closely watched by financial analysts and international observers alike.
