President Maithripala Sirisena had not offered the position of Eastern Province Governor to businessman A.S.P. Liyanage, informed government sources said.

They said there was no official communication in this regard and the government never asked Liyanage to return to the country to accept the EP Governor's post. 

Liyanage currently serves as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar. 

The businessman, previously a supporter of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing a press conference in Colombo said he was in a state of shock as he did not receive the post of the EP Governor. 

Former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama was appointed by President Sirisena as the new Governor of the province. 

The post was previously held by Austin Fernando, who was appointed last week as the Secretary to the President.