Udaya R. Seneviratne has been appointed the new Secretary to the President. 

Seneviratne, the President's Media Unit said, assumed duties in his position this afternoon. 

He has previously functioned as the Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and the Ministry of Health. 

He has nearly 30 years experience in the government service. 

Seneviratne replaces Austin Fernando who resigned from the post yesterday.