Trade unions allege that in total breach of the SLPA act, Minister of Ports, Arjuna Ranatunga has
appointed his elder brother Dhammika as chairman of the Ports Authority The port TUs alliance made
representations in this regard to the prime minister during a recent meeting.
Following the discussion on April 11, the TUs abandoned their fast and strike over the curtailment of their
bonus and several other demands, but they stressed that their fight against the chairman would continue
until he was removed.
They brought four matters to the attention of the PM, who was surprised to learn them, reports say.
As per the SLPA act of 1979, the subject minister should appoint a chairman and four directors for the
SLPA.
The minister should be satisfied with the port development, legal, financial, maritime, commerce,
engineering, administrative or labour relation skills and experience of the person to be appointed the
chairman.
Since the adoption of the act, the SLPA chairman had been a graduate, lawyer, engineer, medical doctor
or an experienced administrator.
That was the case from the first chairman Wimal Amarasekara to Dr. Lakdas Panagoda, the Ranatunga-
appointee in the 100-day government.
However, Dhammika is without even the basic qualifications to head the SLPA, despite his appointment
last September.
He has studied science for his A/L, but does not have at least an external degree to his credit, or any other
professional qualification.
After representing Sri Lanka as a cricketer, he became Sri Lanka CEO with the courtesy of Thilanga
Sumathipala, but has not held an administrative position in any recognized institution.
But in appointing his brother as Chairman of the Port Authority, nepotism overtook above requirements.
