The Dehiwala Zoological Gardens director Duminda Jayaratne has been asked to vacate office with immediate effect, on a directive from the Ministry of Public Recreation.
For the past two plus years, Mr. Jayaratne held the post of director in a volunteer capacity, accepting no salary or perks. He is presently director administration with the Customs Department.
Mr. Jayaratne told the Sunday Times that his appointment by the Cabinet was valid until December 2009, and that may be the reason his services as zoo director were terminated with the end of the year.
Mr. Jayaratne’s no-nonsense approach and disciplined management of the Zoological Gardens was often resented by zoo staff and traders conducting business on the zoo premises. He worked hard to eliminate corruption and other irregularities taking place at the zoo.
Additional director Ananda Lokuranawaka will assume duties as the new director of the Dehiwala Zoo. |
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