The government has appointed 37 advisors to assist the President, the Prime Minister, and seven Cabinet ministers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed 10 advisors for the Ministry of Digital Economy and 14 for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education. Advisors for the President and Prime Minister serve voluntarily and do not receive government salaries or allowances, with all of the Prime Minister’s advisors being specialists in the field of education.
Other appointments include three advisors for Minister of Industries Sunil Handunnetti, three for Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake, and two for Science and Technology Minister Prof. Krishantha Abeysena. Single advisors have been appointed for Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendige, Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Vasantha Samarasinha, and Provincial Councils Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne.
While most advisors work without pay, three—serving Ministers Samarasinha, Patabendige, and Aberathna—receive salaries, allowances, and vehicles. The advisor to Minister Samarasinha earns Rs. 227,695 a month and is entitled to a fuel allowance of Rs 46,695.
Minister Patabendige’s advisor receives Rs 213,635 monthly, a vehicle, and Rs 47,685 for diesel. Minister Abeyratne’s advisor, former Ministry Secretary Ashoka Peiris, earns Rs 117,150, a living allowance of Rs 17,800, and Rs 46,695 for fuel.
The details were submitted to Parliament in writing in response to a question from Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara.
by Akitha Perera 