Heads of state institutions say no to PM

The secretary to the prime minister yesterday (18) instructed heads of state institutions, appointed by finance minister Ravi Karunanayake during the 100-day government, to tender their resignations.

They are heading state banks and affiliate institutions, as well as three plantation companies.

Heads of 150 of these institutions had been summoned by the PM’s secretary for a meeting at Temple Trees, and 45 had attended.

At the meeting, when they were told to resign, one participant stood up and protested.

The PM’s secretary has told him that he did not find any need to respond to their questions and left the discussion.

Just one head of institution had agreed to resign, while others left.

This issue started when state banks, their affiliates and several other institutions were taken over by Kabir Hashim’s state enterprise ministry, from the finance ministry.

The heads of these institutions are alleging the president has taken not decision to remove them.

A majority of them have held positions in UNP affiliate organizations, and they say they cannot stand it when they are being thus harassed and pressurized under a government of their own.

They argue that they will resign only if the treasury secretary, who had given them their appointments, tenders his resignation.