Paranavitana resign as Media Ministry Secretary

Karunaratne Paranavitana has resigned from his position as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information, with effect from Friday (10).

Speaking to Ada Derana, Paranavitana stated that he resigned from the position based on policy decisions. He stated that President Maithripala Sirisena has accepted his letter of resignation yesterday. 

It was reported yesterday that Paranavitana had turned down nominations extended to him from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Ratnapura District. 

The former diplomat, journalist and author was the one-time Ratnapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). 

Paranavithana has held the posts of Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Director General - Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Editorial Director - Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., Chief Executive Officer - Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Consul General - Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Totonto, Canada.

A special grade officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), he was appointed as the Secretary to the Media Ministry by President Sirisena, following the election victory in January.