Pelwatta sugar company Chief Operations Officer resigns



By Wasantha Chandrapala

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Pelwatta Sugar Company, Nuwan Dharmaratne, has tendered his resignation, citing pressure from government authorities following a social media post he made concerning the sugar industry.

Dharmaratne, who was appointed to the post on October 22, 2024, by Minister Vijitha Herath, formally handed over his resignation on May 27. He officially concluded his duties and left the company yesterday, upon the return of Minister Sunil Handunnetti to the country.

According to Dharmaratne, the sequence of events leading to his resignation was triggered by a Facebook post in which he commented on challenges faced by the sugar industry. He claims Minister Handunnetti took issue with the post and instructed him to resign.

"My statement to a leading national newspaper also contributed to this situation,"Dharmaratne explained. "I made that statement within the authority vested in me, highlighting the damage caused to the sugar industry by the diversion of maize for ethanol production. I did so to protect the interests of the sugar sector in the country."

The former COO rejected further allegations against him, including claims that he was involved in organizing a media conference for Sevanagala farmers.

"Those farmers were not known to me, and I had no involvement in that press conference. The report carried a statement from a Deputy Minister representing the Monaragala district," he said.

Dharmaratne further revealed that Pelwatta Sugar Company is currently facing operational challenges, including difficulties in securing fuel for its vehicles, hinting at broader financial troubles within the organization.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Ministry of Industries or Pelwatta Sugar Company regarding Dharmaratne’s resignation.

 


  Comments - 24


You May Also Like