July 13, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed new secretaries to 18 government ministries at a ceremony held Thursday in the Temple Trees.

The President has told the new secretaries that their responsibility is to enhance the productivity of the institutions that come under respective ministries and they should set an example to the country by achieving their duty efficiently.

The Secretary should practically visit the relevant institutions and instruct the officials to carryout duties in people friendly manner. Their duty is to render utmost service for the public according to the policy of the government.

According to the new appointment Charitha Herath is the Secretary of Ministry of Mass Media and Information.

Former Government Agent Jaffna Mrs. Emelda Sukumar is the new Secretary of Ministry of social Services.

Anura Siriwardena has been appointed to the Ministry of Industries and Commerce. Dr. Nihal Jayathilake is the new Secretary to the Health Ministry and former secretary of the Health Ministry Dr. T.R.C.Ruberu has been appointed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)