Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Ali Hamsa said Jayasiri, 58, will replace Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, who will retire on that date.

“I believe the qualifications, knowledge, experience and credibility possessed by him will enable him to discharge his responsibility effectively and continue Miti’s vision of turning Malaysia into a choice destination for investment and become among the nations that are most competitive in the year 2020,” he said in a statement, here today.

Jayasiri, who has a Bachelor’s Degree (Southeast Asian Studies) (Honours) from the University of Malaya, has served in the civil service for more than 35 years. He joined the Administrative and Diplomatic Service on Dec 1, 1981.

He has wide experience in the fields of international trade, domestic and regional economy, research and policies, international trade relations and multilateral trade negotiations through his service career.

He had previously served, among others, as the First Secretary, Office of the Malaysian Permanent Representative in Geneva; Economic Affairs Adviser, Office of the Malaysian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geneva; and Research Officer in the Policy and Planning Division, Miti.

He had also served as Principal Assistant Director, Committee on Economic Cooperation and Technology, Office of SOM Chairman, Apec Secretariat; Senior Director, Bilateral/Regional Relations Division, Miti, and Senior Director, Policy Division and FTA Negotiations Coordination, Miti.

On behalf of the Federal Government, Ali expressed his deepest appreciation and gratitude to Rebecca Fatima for all her contributions and deeds to the civil service and country for more than 35 years.

– BERNAMA