The media has criticized her appointment, made by disregarding many seniors.

When asked about the criticism, foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera told Sri Lanka Mirror that what was needed today was commitment and talent, rather than seniority.

Therefore, efficient young professionals who understand the new world would be appointed to top positions with approval by both the president and the prime minister, he also said.

The media has also criticized Sirisena, whose parents are medical professionals, after she appeared in the front page of India’s UPPER CRUST magazine in December 2015 as a model.