Harshana Suriyapperuma faces fresh allegations as Maithree Gunaratne questions his qualifications, failed company claims and Treasury role.
Harshana Suriyapperuma is facing fresh political heat after President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne alleged that the current Treasury Secretary lacks the qualifications needed to hold one of Sri Lanka’s most powerful financial posts.
Speaking during a television discussion, Gunaratne claimed that serious problems have emerged within the present administration because experienced state officials have been removed and political favourites have been appointed to high positions.
The allegation comes at a sensitive time for the government, as public scrutiny over Treasury operations, financial discipline, and accountability continues to intensify.
According to Gunaratne, Harshana Suriyapperuma does not possess the qualifications required to serve as Treasury Secretary.
He further alleged that even the company Suriyapperuma maintained in Australia for around 15 years had become bankrupt, describing him as a failed businessman.
Gunaratne questioned how a person with such a background could be appointed to the highest position in the country’s financial control system.
This raises concerns about the criteria used for major appointments inside the Finance Ministry and whether political loyalty has overtaken administrative experience.
Gunaratne emphasized that Suriyapperuma’s only qualification was being a close friend of the President.
He also stated that several of the President’s friends were brought into Parliament through national list seats at the last parliamentary election, and that Suriyapperuma was subsequently appointed to the Treasury.
The comments have added another layer to the growing debate over political appointments, public finance management, and the role of trusted insiders in key state institutions.
Gunaratne also pointed to statements from the government side suggesting that even the Cabinet is unaware of certain matters taking place at the Treasury.
He questioned the purpose of keeping the Treasury Secretary in office if he had failed to properly inform the President about developments inside the institution.
However, questions remain over whether the government will directly respond to these allegations or continue to defend the appointment amid mounting criticism.
For critics, the issue is no longer limited to one individual. It now touches the broader question of whether Sri Lanka’s financial administration is being handled by experienced professionals or political appointees.
Gunaratne further emphasized that for a proper investigation into the matter to take place, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake must resign from the position of Minister of Finance.
He also called for Harshana Suriyapperuma to be removed from his post immediately.
What happens next could be critical as the government faces pressure to explain the appointment, address questions over Treasury accountability, and prove that public finance decisions are being handled with competence, transparency, and independence.
