The Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security claimed that the former Board of Directors of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), including its Chairperson, was asked to resign as its term concluded, and there is no other reason behind the subject Minister’s decision. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (14), the Secretary to the Ministry A.M.P.M.B. Atapattu said that the sole reason for the Minister’s (Nalin Fernando) decision was the conclusion of the term of the previous Board and that otherwise, no personal or professional matter inspired the said decision. Atapattu also stated that the subject Minister has recently appointed a new Chairperson and Board, and that accordingly, the CAA functions smoothly without any obstruction. “Some parties are trying to fabricate stories using this particular event. But, the main reason was the conclusion of their term. Therefore, the Minister informed them to resign, paving the way for him to appoint a new Chairperson and Board,” he said. Atapattu further noted that the new team will carry on the new initiatives taken by the previous Board under the supervision of Minister Fernando, especially to regulate the market and make the procedures more effective than ever in parallel with the Government's policies.

Last week, the entire Board of the CAA resigned, reportedly following a notice issued by Minister Fernando who informed the media last week that the 15-member Board, Chaired by attorney-at-law Shantha Niriella, resigned in response to the Ministry’s instructions.