New Environment Secretary assumes office

The new Ministry of Environment Secretary B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi assumed office yesterday in the presence of Environment Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Chandrakeerthi was previously the Labour Department Commissioner General. He is a Special Grade Officer of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, with 23 years of service in the public sector.

He held the Vice Chairmanships of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and National Institute of Labour studies and an ex-officio member of the Vocational Training Authority and National Child Protection Authority.

Chandrakeerthi obtained his Bachelor Degree in Arts (1998) from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and joined the Government Service in 2000. Then he completed a Masters’ Degree in Economics (2008), Bachelor of Law from Open University of Sri Lanka (2014) and Attorney -at- Law from Sri Lanka Law College (2017). He also achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (Coastal Resources Management) from International University of Fundamental Studies in Russia (2016).

In addition, Chandrakeerthi has held the post of Director General in the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management. He was the Senior Assistant Secretary to The Leader of The House of Parliament from 2010 to 2015 and he was the Assistant Secretary to The Leader of The House of Parliament from 2006 to 2010. Also, he was the Assistant Divisional Secretary of the Biyagama Divisional Secretariat from 2003 to 2006. From 2000 to 2003, Chandrakeerthi worked as an Assistant Secretary Ministry Of Education And Tourism – Uva Provincial Council.

He is a highly educated and experienced professional in the fields of tourism management, public management, and public administration with more than two decades of professional experience. He has developed a strong understanding in the field of parliamentary procedures and coast conservation management.

Throughout his career, Chandrakeerthi has had the opportunity to travel extensively to various countries, including Russia, Japan, the UK, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, South Korea, US and China, where could gain valuable insights into different cultures and best practices. His exceptional work has been recognised by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with the “Pradeep Pranama” award and “Integrity Public Servant” awarded by Transparency International Sri Lanka.