Deputy Finance Minister Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma likely to be appointed as the next Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Asian Mirror reliably learns.

The post became vacant following the recent retirement of Mahinda Siriwardana, who previously served as Secretary to the Treasury.

Dr Suriyapperuma, who entered Parliament via the National List, is expected to resign from his parliamentary position and is likely to assume duties at the Finance Ministry on Monday (23).

It is also indicated that he has sent the resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament.

However, an official confirmation is yet to be issued.

Earlier, Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance & Economic Affairs), Russell Aponsu and the President’s Senior Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa were expected to be appointed as the new Secretary following the departure of Mahinda Siriwardena. However, Asian Mirror learns that those proposals faced objections, leading to a reconsideration of the appointments.