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TRC DG’s post: Who’s holding the call?
There is a controversy brewing over the takeover of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) by President Mahinda Rajapakse, as well as the appointment of its Director General over-ruling Posts and Telecommunications Minister D.M. Jayaratna.

President Rajapakse took over the TRC which comes under the purview of Mr. Jayaratne’s Ministry recently resulting in D.G. Palitha Thenuwara, appointed by the Minister, stepping down from the post after three weeks in office.

The letter informing Ministry Secretary Piyatisssa Ranasinghe of the takeover was sent by Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga even though it is yet to be gazetted, The Sunday Times learns. However, no reason had been given for this action. The President has appointed Kanchana Ratwatte to the post, The Sunday Times learns. He is reportedly favoured by Posts and Telecommunications Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena as well as another close confidant of the President.

Telecommunication sector sources said Mr. Ratwatte’s appointment had been kept discreet even from those in the same field and alleged that he was a Director in a private company which too has an interest in the same field, thus creating serious conflict of interests. Minister Jayaratna, who was hospitalised last week, was not available for comment.
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