Former Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Chairman Rohan Fernando alleged that the intention to sell shares of Sri Lanka Telecom PLC to a foreign investor resulted in his removal as the Chairman of the state-owned institution.
Speaking during a special media briefing held today, Fernando stated that Malaysian investors were interested in purchasing SLT and had requested his removal.
Fernando accused the SLT Board of carrying out a coup to remove him from the post of Chairman in line with the requests made by the said Malaysian investors.
He pointed out that it was customary for appointments to the SLT Board to generally be made by the Secretary to the Treasury.
Claiming that however, at today’s SLT Board meeting the members were in a hurry to conduct a vote to elect a new Chairman, he said the vote was not included on the listing of the day’s agenda.
“I will seek legal advice on my removal as I believe the proper procedure was not followed. I will also seek clarification from the Treasury Secretary on the matter,” Fernando added.
Rohan Fernando was appointed as Director/Chairman of the Company in January 2020.
Fernando was replaced by Reyaz Mihular, who formerly served as a member of the Sri Lanka Telecom PLC Board. (NewsWire)