President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honored outgoing Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana for his critical role in rescuing Sri Lanka’s economy during its most turbulent era. At a special farewell ceremony, the President praised Siriwardana’s unwavering integrity, visionary policymaking, and legacy of compassionate public service, urging young officials to follow in his footsteps.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking at a ceremonial farewell on June 18, paid tribute to Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, the outgoing Secretary to the Treasury, recognizing his leadership and service during one of the most challenging periods in Sri Lanka’s economic history.
Describing Siriwardana as a paragon of public service, President Dissanayake stated that public officials have a fundamental responsibility to avert negative outcomes and contribute meaningfully to national progress. He highlighted Siriwardana’s steadfast commitment and technical expertise in guiding the economy through the aftermath of the 2022 crisis, noting that his work played a key role in stabilizing the nation and paving the way for recovery.
The President’s remarks came during a retirement ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, where senior government officials, advisors, and family members gathered to celebrate Siriwardana’s contributions.
President Dissanayake also spoke about the broader need to reform the country’s public service ethos. In a time when society often places materialism above principle, he argued that Sri Lanka must cultivate a system of values anchored in empathy, responsibility, and human dignity. Public servants, he said, must not be isolated bureaucrats but individuals who understand and anticipate the real-life implications of their decisions on ordinary citizens.
Referring to Siriwardana as an exemplary model of these values, the President said his career stands as a lesson for young officials: public service can be impactful when guided by wisdom, humility, and a deep understanding of the people.
In his farewell address, Mr. Siriwardana described his three-year tenure as the most pivotal chapter of his professional journey. He expressed gratitude to President Dissanayake for the trust placed in him, especially during a change in government and emphasized that this support was vital in enabling effective financial governance. He credited the President’s resilience and political clarity as instrumental in overcoming the country’s economic collapse.
President Dissanayake concluded the event by presenting Mr. Siriwardana with a commemorative memento, acknowledging his exemplary service to the nation.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chief Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Senior Economic Adviser Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, as well as senior civil servants, Siriwardana’s family, and invited guests.
