By Four Months into Government, Several State Institution Chairpersons Resign
Four months after the National People’s Power (NPP) government assumed power with an unprecedented public mandate, a notable trend of resignations has emerged among chairpersons appointed to state institutions and statutory boards.
Typically, political appointees step down toward the end of a government’s tenure, but in this case, resignations have come unusually early. Social media commentators have offered various interpretations, with some suggesting that differences of opinion have surfaced, prompting more independently minded appointees to leave.
Another perspective is that the resignations stem from limitations on perks and inadequate remuneration for these high-ranking positions. Regardless of the reasons, this wave of resignations does not reflect well on the new government’s decision-making and could even demoralize other officials. Speculation is also growing that more resignations may follow.
Resignations So Far
Senesh Bandara Dissanayake was the first to resign, followed by Ramal Siriwardena, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). The latest additions to this list include Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni, Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute; Monty Ranatunga, Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority; and Chinthaka Hewapathirana, Chairman of the National Youth Services Council.
With these departures, a total of five chairpersons appointed by the NPP government have resigned so far.
Reasons for Resignations
Senesh Bandara Dissanayake’s Resignation
Senesh Bandara Dissanayake was the first chairperson to step down, resigning as Chairman of National Television on December 25, 2024, after completing three months in office.
In a Facebook post announcing his resignation, Dissanayake stated:
“Although I am stepping down from National Television, I have not had the opportunity to bid farewell to my comrade Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. In the new year, I will take on another national-level responsibility, working alongside him once again. ‘That too must be done…’ Nalinda told me during one of our conversations.”
Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni’s Resignation
Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni, who resigned as Chairman of the National Transport Medical Institute, cited personal reasons for his departure. Before assuming the role, he served as the Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council, where he played a crucial role in managing the COVID-19 response, vaccination programs, and dengue control efforts.
Ramal Siriwardena’s Resignation and Speculation
Social media speculation suggested that Ramal Siriwardena resigned due to disagreements with Minister Bimal Rathnayake. However, this claim has been denied by government sources. Siriwardena himself stated that his resignation was due to personal reasons.
Chinthaka Hewapathirana’s Statement
Speaking to the media, National Youth Services Council Chairman Chinthaka Hewapathirana explained:
“I fulfilled the responsibility entrusted to me by the party for a short period. That task is now complete. The party has assigned me a new political responsibility in the Matara District, which is why I resigned.”
Monty Ranatunga’s Resignation
Monty Ranatunga, Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority, has also stepped down. A lengthy explanation regarding his resignation is currently circulating on social media, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.
More Resignations to Follow ?
Political analysts suggest that a combination of inexperience, unrealistic expectations, and pressure from struggling institutional structures could lead to further resignations in the near future.
