Dissension within Govt over Milco Chairman’s removal

• President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested Mr. Wickramasinghe, a software business analyst, to take over such a position and help revive a crippled government institution

By Kelum Bandara 

Yuthukama Organization, a movement that enjoys parliamentary representation on the government’s ticket, is perturbed over the removal of its member Lasantha Biyanka Wickramasinghe from the chairman post of Milco (Pvt) Ltd. He was replaced by ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) office bearer Renuka Perera. 

Parliamentarian Gevindu Cumaratunga who spearheads the organization said in a public post that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested Mr. Wickramasinghe, a software business analyst, to take over such a position and help revive a crippled government institution.      

“Though Milco is now a profit making venture, it takes time to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient in milk. Timely performance of artificial insemination, improvement of animal feed and strengthening dairy farmers’ economic level are among initiatives undertaken by Mr. Wickramasinghe in this direction,” he said. 

  
 He said Mr. Wickramasinghe is baselessly accused of prioritizing dairy products such as yogurts and ice-cream instead of promoting fresh milk consumption.   

  
“This is a false allegation. Mr. Wickramasinghe took steps personally visiting TV stations to promote fresh milk,” he said.