A dramatic resignation at Lanka Sugar Company has ignited fresh debate over political interference, governance standards, and the integrity of Sri Lanka’s state enterprises.
Lawyer Sandamali Chandrasekara has stepped down with immediate effect from her role as Chairperson of Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd, submitting her resignation to Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti.
In her letter, she states that her decision was driven by persistent political pressure and coercion to act in ways she believed were unlawful. According to her account, she was unable to properly discharge her duties amid demands from local politicians that allegedly conflicted with government regulations and established legal procedures.
Lanka Sugar Company, a loss-making state-owned enterprise, functions under strict financial oversight and governance frameworks set by the Department of State Enterprises. Chandrasekara notes that as chairperson, she and the board were expected to uphold transparency, accountability, and compliance with official circulars and public sector regulations.
However, she reveals that repeated requests were made to bypass these rules. The board, including herself, refused to approve actions that could violate legal or ethical standards. This reportedly resulted in continuous friction with certain political actors.
Citing professional ethics and institutional responsibility, Chandrasekara says she cannot continue to serve under such circumstances. She concludes her letter by thanking the Minister for the opportunity to contribute to the reform and development of the state enterprise.
