Former Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Professor Kapila Perera, has denied reports that his resignation was linked to a recent Supreme Court ruling against him.
Addressing his farewell event, Perera said he had repeatedly requested permission to leave his post since October last year, as he needed to return to his university position, with the upcoming academic year being his final year before retirement.
He stated that he had informed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the relevant minister on several occasions of his intention to step down, adding that the decision had been made long before the Supreme Court delivered its judgment.
“I know why many people have been calling me today. The Supreme Court judgment has nothing to do with my decision. I had already decided to leave and had been requesting permission for months,” he said.
Perera explained that he had postponed his departure several times in order to complete key responsibilities, including budget proposals and other ministry work.
His comments come after reports linked his resignation to a Supreme Court ruling which found that he had violated the fundamental rights of W.S. Sathyananda, who had been appointed as an Additional Secretary to the Ministry.
The court held that Sathyananda had been subjected to humiliation and mental distress after being informed that his services were not required on the day he reported for duty.
However, Perera maintained that the court ruling was unrelated to his resignation and thanked the President, ministers and ministry officials for supporting his request to step down. (Newswire)