State Minister accepts Thushan Gunawardena’s resignation from CAA

The resignation of Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Thushan Gunawardena has been accepted by State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna. 

A statement issued by the state ministry said Mr Gunawardena was one of three full-time members of the CAA and said the minister thanked him for the services he had rendered to the CAA during his tenure. 

The most recent issue that had influenced Mr Gunawardena to step down from his post was the exposure of the garlic racket scam amounting to Rs. 7.6 million involving a Sathosa executive official and issues relating to sugar, flour and undu container frauds.

He was also opposed to an agreement scheduled with importing companies of sugar, flour and cement relating to a price increase, according to sources. 

However, the state ministry quoted State Minister Alagiyawanna as stating that he refutes allegations leveled against him regarding these matters and that he intends to make a statement to Parliament clarifying these issues during tomorrow's debate on the Consumer Affairs Authority Amendment Act. 

Mr Gunawardena is among several senior government officials and heads of institutions who have stepped down in recent weeks citing various reasons, including the inability to carry out "doubtful" decisions by upper management, including politicians.