Minister’s brother as port chairman!
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Dhammika Ranatunga, brother of ports and shipping minister Arjuna Ranatunga, has been appointed chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, say SLPA sources. Dhammika, a resident of the US, returned to Sri Lanka after the ‘Yaha Paalana’ government came to power.
The SLPA chairman previously was Dr. Lucky Panagoda, a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and Britain. Since he had clashed with the subject minister during the first 100 days, minister Ranatunga has decided to appoint a person who can be maneuvered easily, say the sources.
When contacted, a ‘Yaha Paalana’ activist told Lanka News Web, “What is the purpose of the presidency if his son cannot be taken to the UN? Similarly, what is the purpose of a ministership if his brother cannot be given a chairmanship? Do not get excited. Let’s see.”