Despite criticism by a number of civil society organizations, President Maithripala Siriisena appointed former Rajapaksa loyalist Dayan Jayatilleke has the Sri Lankan envoy to Russia. 

When Jayarilleke was nominated to the Parliamentary committee on high posts, over 100 civil society organisations and representatives sent an open letter to the committee against the appointment. 

Despite their opposition, Jayatilleke's name was among the nice new diplomatic postings announced by the government yesterday. 

In addition to Jayatilleke, former Secretary to the President Austin Fernando was appointed the new Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India.