Former CEB Chairman steps down from Megapolis

Megapolis and Western Development Ministry Advisor Vidya Amarapala, who has been allegedly named in the Panama Papers, has stepped down from his post pending an investigation, the Ministry said in a statement yesterday. 

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka was notified by Amarapala in an email of his decision to temporarily step down from his post as an Advisor to the Ministry following his name being linked to the Panama Papers. 

“When this Government came to power, it was with the clear pledge of protecting against corruption and exposing wrongdoers. In an attempt to stay true to the mandate given by the people, Minister Ranawaka agreed with the suggestion Vidya Amarapala temporarily removes himself from his position in connection with the Ministry,” a statement said. 

Amarapala, who is a former Chairman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), was named as a Director of Sovereign Capital Corporation based in Singapore, which has investments in Sri Lanka. He was employed between the years 2003-2010. 

Following the stepping down by Amarapala, Minister Ranawaka also lodged a formal request with the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) to launch an investigation into the company‘s work in Sri Lanka during those seven years.

Amarapala also rejected any allegations of wrongdoing, including evading taxes, in his email to the Minister.