Strict selection criteria for new heads of state agencies

Under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s new administration, the Government on Wednesday invited proposals from experienced professionals to be considered as chairpersons and board members of regulatory and state agencies.

According to a public newspaper notice published by Secretary to the President, Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, the Presidential Secretariat has called for EOIs (Expressions of Interest) from experienced professionals to be considered for appointment to:

• Regulatory and promotional agencies

• Statutory bodies and institutions

• Commercial state-owned institutions.

The statement said that the nominees would be tasked with transforming these institutions to perform efficiently and effectively, and state-owned commercial businesses to become “commercially viable and profit making organisations adopting best practices and management strategies to ensure public accountability”.

The EOIs will be reviewed by a panel of professionals and selection will be based on the subject knowledge, competencies and experience of potential appointees. Sri Lankan professionals living overseas have also been encouraged to submit their EOIs.

The applications to be sent to the Additional Secretary to the President close on December 18.