About Us

A Secretary is the most senior public servant of a Ministry charged with supervising the activities of the Ministry, Departments & Institutions under its purview. Upto 1972, the position was called Permanent Secretary as the appointment was held for a specific number of years, about 7 years, (practiced even now in some Commonwealth countries). The role originated in the civil service of U.K and has been adopted in several Commonwealth countries as well as other countries influenced by the Westminster System.

The Secretary to a Ministry is appointed by the President and as per the powers vested by the constitution can be removed at any time by the President. As per the constitution a “Secretary shall subject to the direction and control of the Minister, exercise supervision on the departments and other institutions in charge of the Minister”. Further, under the Finance Regulations a secretary has to bear the responsibility as Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry.

Secretaries having shouldered immense responsibilities in many capacities in Public Service and interacted with each other before and on becoming secretaries, will after retirement lose touch and feel isolated due to lack of opportunities to interact with their long-time service counterparts. On the other hand, these retired secretaries who possess tons of invaluable experience and still mentally & physically fit can contribute effectively to the national development efforts of the Government, should there be such a need.

It was in realization of this lacuna that this Association was established in 2016 with a modest number of retired secretaries of cabinet ministries. We are happy to note that by now it has grown in strength with many retired secretaries joining the Association.

Objectives

  1. To provide a platform to the retired secretaries of cabinet ministries to socialize, exchange views and cultivate camaraderie.
  2. To harness the valuable talent pool of the retired secretaries to provide consultancy, technical advice and any other assistance to the national development effort if and when needed by the Government.
  3. To extend welfare facilities to the members.
  4. To provide whatever assistance possible to mitigate impacts of national disasters.
  5. To share the vast experience gained to create an awareness among the general public on issues of national importance.

Chairman’s Message

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the official website of the Association of Former Secretaries of Cabinet Ministries. Our website will serve as a hub of information, a platform for sharing our accomplishments and a useful tool to link up the retired secretaries to continue their many years of friendship and camaraderie. It will be of immense help to publicize various information and related publications in the technically advanced modern era.

The Association that began in 2016 with a small number of members, has by now grown with many members joining and continues to grow.

At the time of gaining independence from the British rulers, we were left with the administrative ruling system of the British. Yet with the passing of time, this had to be naturally changed and modified. A new administrative system that was more suitable to address the development needs of the nation was established in its place. The Ministry Secretaries form the backbone of governance structure and are wholeheartedly committed to the development of the country.

Our Association members, who have many years of invaluable experience, are willing to further extend their knowledge, expertise and skills for the betterment of the country’s future, should there be such a need.

I thank you for your continued support, trust and belief in our Association.

Mr S. Liyanagama
Chairman