Sri Lanka : The Chairperson of Lanka Sugar Company (Private) Limited, Sandamali Chandrasekera, has stepped down from her position, citing difficulties in continuing as head of the institution due to interference from provincial-level politicians, The Morning reported.
In a letter addressed on Tuesday (17) to Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Hadunneththi, Chandrasekera stated that during her tenure, the company had received several requests and expectations that would have required violations of circulars, regulations, and established legal procedures.
She said the company’s administration remained bound by its legal and fiduciary responsibilities and was therefore unable to comply with such demands. According to Chandrasekera, this position led to increasing friction with certain provincial politicians.
Despite repeated efforts to explain the legal and regulatory framework under which the company operates, she noted that these explanations were not accepted. She added that continued pressure from local politicians to act against laws, regulations, and government circulars made it extremely difficult for her to remain in the post while upholding the principles of good governance and institutional integrity.
Chandrasekera further pointed out that the company, as a loss-making state-owned enterprise, operates under strict financial and regulatory oversight, including supervision by the Public Enterprises Department. She said these controls are necessary to ensure accountability and proper governance, but they also place clear limits on how the institution can respond to external demands.
