Prime Minster accepts the resignation of Srilankan Board of Directors

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister of Public Enterprise Development Lakshman Kiriella states that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has accepted the resignations of the Board of Directors of Srilankan Airlines led by Chairman Ajith Dias. The Minister offered this confirmation in response to a query posed by News 1st. A letter was addressed to the Prime Minister by the Chairman and Board of Directors of Srilankan Airlines in January 2018, offering to resign from their positions in order to support the restructuring process of the Airline. The letter was signed by Chairman Ajith Dias, Board Members Chanaka de Silva, Joseph Rajan Britto, Niranjan de Silva, Deva Aditya, Mahinda Haradasa and Executive Director Rakitha Jayewardena, however, Board Member Harendra K. Balapatabendi did not sign the letter. Kabir Hashim, then Minister of Public Enterprise Development announced that the resignations had been accepted by the Prime Minister. However, it came to light that the resignations had only been accepted almost two months after the Prime Minister received the letter. President of the Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya of the Srilankan Airlines, Janaka Wijepathiratna stated that the government was given three years to establish a proper business plan and correct administration. It was stated that they can no longer place any faith in appointments made by the Prime Minister and that he is a failed leader and administrator. “His (PM) appointments to the Central Bank have failed. His appointments to Sri Lankan Airlines have failed.” - Janaka Wijepathiratna President Wijepathiratna stated that as trade unions they will not accept any appointments that he (PM) makes and that they respectfully call on His Excellency the President to take over the responsibility of Sri Lankan Airlines.