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Minister wrings SLT ears amid calls for removal of chairman
Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando has directed the board of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to ensure that the ministry is kept informed of all transactions and projects ensuring transparency.
The directive came amidst growing differences between the minister and the board as to who was in charge of the multi-million rupee government controlled company and calls from trade unions for the resignation of the SLT chairman.
The directive was given at a meeting attended by SLT Chairman Kumarasinghe Sirisena and other board members.
The minister told the Sunday Times he summoned the meeting to resolve disputes on policy matters and had ordered that the ministry be informed promptly about board decisions.
The minister said the board’s decision to give a monthly housing allowance of US$ 5,000 (about Rs. 750,000) to the SLT chairman was stopped by him. The move came as SLT trade unions called for the resignation of the chairman alleging irregularities including the losses incurred due to an insurance deal.
In a statement issued on his behalf, the SLT Chairman claimed that misleading articles to tarnish his image and character had been published. He denied the allegations levelled against him. The Sunday Times tried to reach Mr. Sirisena, but he he did not respond.
In reference to the allegation of awarding of the Mobitel Insurance tender to Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, the statement said the initiative was taken to safeguard the organisation and government interests as Sri Lanka Insurance was a state-owned corporation.
“The decision was to extend the existing contract with Sri Lanka Insurance by two months, therefore, giving sufficient time to make a more prudent decision to benefit both Mobitel as well as the Minister wrings SLT ears; amid calls for removal of chairman
investment of a government entity. The advantages to the SLT Group as a whole was considered in making this decision,” the statement said.
“As the Chairman of a reputed listed company, his unstinted commitment to SLT as a company and to its subsidiaries is unquestionable. The alleged house rent mater was discussed due to the significant amount of time he spends on the road from home to office. Furthermore, he has not drawn any extra payment or any form of remuneration from the group as a salary or otherwise other than what was drawn by previous chairpersons,” the statement added explaining why he wanted Rs. 750,000 house rent for a month.