A new Governor for Southern province

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Professor Susiripala Manawadu as the new Governor of the Southern Province.

The appointment, made in accordance with Article 154B of the Constitution, is effective from today, February 24, 2026.

Professor Manawadu brings a distinguished academic and administrative background to the position.

He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the State Advisory Sub-Committee on Radio, Newspapers, and Social Media of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

His previous roles include serving as the Head of the Department of Sinhala at the University of Ruhuna and as the Senior Assistant Librarian at the same institution.

The appointment follows the vacancy created by the passing of the former Governor, Bandula Harischandra, in November 2025.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.