From market to Ministry

Thursday, 13 January 2011 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulates Dhammika Perera after presenting him the letter appointing him as the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport yesterday at Temple Trees- Pic By Nalin Hewapathirana

Dhammika new Transport Min. Secy

In an unprecedented move President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday appointed young business leader Dhammika Perera as the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport.

Official sources said it was the first time an active business leader had been appointed to the high civil service post in a Ministry. The Transport Minister is Kumar Welgama.

Widely regarded for his acumen as an investor and entrepreneur Dhammika previously served as Executive Chairman and Director General of the Board of Investment for about three years. This was whilst continuing with his business interests.

Among the state positions held by him previously were Member of the Board of Directors of the Strategic Enterprises Management Agency (SEMA), Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Member of the Petroleum Resources Development Committee.

At present he is also a Board member of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

Dhammika is probably the most high networth individual investor in the country whilst he serves as non executive and executive capacities on several Boards of listed companies including Hayleys Plc, Sampath Bank, Royal Ceramics, LB Finance, Vallibel Power Erathna, Vallibel Finance, Amaya Leisure and the newly created holding company Vallibel One which has consolidated his personal stakes in Sampath Bank, Royal Ceramics and LB Finance. In all of these companies he is the single largest shareholder whilst he also owns stakes in several other companies, both listed and unlisted.