Road Development Authority (RDA) Chairperson C.P. Athaluwage, has resigned from his position citing ‘excessive interference’ from the Ministry as the primary reason for his decision.

He told the media that the letter of resignation had been directed to the President’s Secretary, and that he had further informed Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena in this regard.

In his resignation letter, Athaluwage reportedly had emphasised that persistent interference from the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Highways had significantly impacted the RDA’s administrative activities. Athaluwage had further noted in the letter that such interference had been a recurring issue, with direct influence being exerted on the RDA’s operations. He highlighted that over the past four and a half years, he had worked transparently and with the approval of the Board of Directors, maintaining the RDA’s reputation and striving for the betterment of its employees.

Despite his efforts to uphold the RDA’s integrity, Athaluwage expressed unwillingness to continue to work under an official who engages in arbitrary actions. Consequently, he stated that he decided to step down from his post as Chairman effective from 27 July.

Attempts to contact the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways regarding the allegations, failed.