CEB Chairman Ferdinando quits following controversial statement, apology 

• Vice Chairman Nalin Ilangakoon to succeed

M.M.C. Ferdinando yesterday resigned from the post of Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera taking to Twitter confirmed he accepted the resignation letter of CEB Chief Ferdinando.

Ferdinando’s resignation came soon after he withdrew a statement made before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) about the decision by the Government to award the Mannar Wind Power project to the Adani Group.

In a letter to the COPE Chairman Parliamentarian Charitha Herath, Ferdinando said he sought to withdraw the statement and issued an unconditional apology.

Ferdinando at the COPE meeting said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa summoned him and informed him to award the wind power project to Adani Groaup as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pressing President Rajapaksa.

In his letter to the COPE, Ferdinando noted due to unexpected pressure and emotions during the discussion he was compelled without limitation to refer to the Indian Prime Minister, which he said was incorrect. President Rajapaksa has also since rejected the CEB Chairman’s statement.

Minister Wijesekara also noted that the CEB Vice Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon will be appointed as the new CEB Chairman.