Former public servants appointed chairpersons of Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank

Ms. Sujatha Perera and Dr. (Ms.) Damitha de Zoyza have been nominated by the President for the posts of chairpersons of the Bank of Ceylon and the People's Bank, Presidential Secretariat sources confirmed. Both are former public servants.

President Maithripala Sirisena sent his nominees to Minister of Public Enterprise - Lakshman Kiriella, under whose care the two banks operate.

However a senior official close to the President told the Sunday Times Online that Ms. Perera has declined to accept the top post.

The Board of Directors of the two state banks will be reconstituted after the assumption of office by the new chairpersons, he said adding that an official announcement will be made tomorrow.  

People’s Bank Chairman Hemasiri Fernando tendered his resignation to Minister Kiriella on Monday and is also likely to resign from his post as the president's Chief of Staff tomorrow, the sources said. (Bandula)