Acting chief for CAA

Consumer Affairs Secretary R.M.K. Ratnayake will take over as acting Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority after former Chairman Sarath Wijeysinghe stepped down after he was found guilty for contempt of court and ordered to resign by Chief Justice Sarath N Silva.

Mr. Wijeysinghe was found guilty of contempt for disregarding a court ruling concerning a fundamental rights petitions filed by Laugfs Gas Ltd. Mr. Wijeysinghe tendered an unqualified apology to all parties in open court and was ordered to tender his resignation within two weeks as he was deemed to be no longer eligible to hold public office. Sentence is due to be passed on September 24.

Dr. Ratnayake said the Chief Justice had voiced his concern over Mr. Wijeysinghe’s action.“I will act as CAA Chairman until a suitable replacement is appointed,” he said.