Nimal Welgama declines top post
Upali Group Managing Director Nimal Welgama yesterday
declined a place on the Monetary Board saying he would not accept
the offer while a Central Bank inquiry into alleged overseas properties
owned by the company's Founder Upali Wijewardene was pending.
Following a complaint made by the heirs of Upali
Wijewardene, who went missing in his private Lear jet in February
1981 while on his way to Colombo from Kuala Lampur, the Central
Bank began a probe four years ago into whether the flamboyant businessman
owned property abroad. The probe is nearing completion.
The Monetary Board is the governing body that
is responsible for making all policy decisons and for the management,
operation and administration of the Central Bank.
Mr. Welgama's appointment till May 7, 2009 was
officially announced by the Central Bank on Friday. He, however,
confirmed yesterday that he had declined the offer, and had made
his reasons known to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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