Colombo — Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunatilake has removed Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Managing Director (Eng.) T. K. G. L. Ganaka Hemachandra from his post and from the SLPA Board of Directors with immediate effect.
Hemachandra, who was appointed on 2 October 2024 by then Ports Minister Vijitha Herath under the National People’s Power (NPP) administration, has been instructed to return to his previous position as Chief Engineer. The decision was communicated through an official letter signed by Minister Karunatilake.
According to the letter, the removal was made under powers vested in the Minister by Section 5 of Schedule 1 of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act No. 51 of 1979.
The Minister cited Hemachandra’s inability to effectively unify and lead the SLPA’s top‑level management committee as the primary reason for the decision. This leadership gap, the letter states, had hindered the institution’s ability to progress towards its strategic objectives.
Hemachandra’s appointment had faced strong resistance from port trade unions from the outset. Several allegations were levelled against him, including claims that he misused a pilot vessel at the Trincomalee Port, causing losses exceeding Rs. 200 million.
His appointment also came after the abrupt removal of former SLPA Managing Director Prabath Malavige, who had reportedly performed successfully in the role. Malavige has since filed legal action challenging his removal, and the case remains pending before court.
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