Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the US Prasad Kariyawasam has been appointed the new Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kariyawasam has served as the Sri Lankan Ambassador to India, Afghanistan and Bhutan.

Kariyawasam, a career diplomat, replaces Esala Weerakoon who has been appointed the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism.

Weerakoon, also a career diplomat, served as High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Norway. His foreign postings include assignments as Actg. High Commissioner to Seychelles, Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka's High Commission in Canberra and Deputy Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka's Embassy in Washington DC.

He has also served in Sri Lanka's Missions in the United Kingdom, Japan, Malaysia and France.  Apart from serving in different Divisions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has also worked as Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Housing and Samurdhi.