Tea Board Chairman resigns

Saturday, 17 February 2018 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Charumini de Silva

Sri Lanka Tea Board Chairman Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda yesterday said that he has tendered his resignation to Plantation Minister Navin Dissanayake.

“I tendered my resignation to the Minister this morning (yesterday) and hope to continue my academic work,” he told Daily FT.

When asked if there was a specific reason for stepping down, Dr.Perthiyagoda said he had made the decision last year.

“I told the Minister in latter part of last year that I would like to step down and give an opportunity to fresh blood. However, the Minister requested me to stay until the election was over. I took up the post only for two years, but now I’ve served for almost two and a half years. It is time for me to return to my research work,” he added.

Although he wishes to vacant the position as soon as possible, Dr.Pethiyagoda asserted that he will continue to serve until the next board meeting on 6 March.

“I hope to leave as soon as possible, but the Minister requested for two more weeks until a new appointment is made at the next board meeting on 6 March,” he said.