Sanjana Lal, Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, is set to take on the role of acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry. With nearly three decades of experience in the civil service, she succeeds Rovereto Nayacalevu, who resigned last month.
Ms Lal has an extensive educational background, holding a Bachelor of Forestry Science from the Australian National University and Postgraduate Diplomas in Business Leadership, Public Administration, and Conservation Biology from the University of the South Pacific.
Upon receiving her appointment letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC), she expressed her humility and gratitude for the opportunity. “I am humbled that the PSC deemed me deserving of this post,” she stated. Although she had other plans, Ms Lal prioritized the ministry’s needs, especially with the upcoming workload for the new financial year.
She noted, “I am merely holding the fort until the ministry or PSC finds an official candidate for the position.” PSC chair Luke Rokovada affirmed her suitability for the role, citing her qualifications, knowledge, and experience. “Ms Lal has the qualifications, knowledge and experience to assume the role, and I am confident that she will be able to perform the duties required of her as the Acting PS for Fisheries and Forestry,” he said.