News

Kasturi Chellaraja resigns as Hemas Holdings Group CEO

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

editor

Hemas Holdings, a leading conglomerate, today announced the resignation of Kasturi Chellaraja, the Group CEO, effective March 30, 2024.

Ms. Chellaraja, has served as the Group’s Chief Executive Officer since 2020 and played a pivotal role in Hemas’ growth and success during her tenure.

Kasturi Chellaraja’s contributions have significantly contributed to the transformation of Hemas into a purpose-led organization that has strengthened its market positions in the Consumer, Healthcare, and Mobility sectors over the last three years.

The decision to resign was driven by Kasturi’s desire to explore new opportunities for growth while continuing to contribute to Sri Lanka. Kasturi has embarked on a new chapter in her career by accepting a prestigious position with a renowned global corporation with diverse business interests. In this new role she will spearhead the global organisation’s expansion efforts throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Kasturi will however continue to serve on the Hemas Holdings Board as a Non-Executive Director, and she expressed deep gratitude for the support of the board, colleagues, and employees during her time at Hemas.

Hemas Holdings’ Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for a new CEO to lead the company into its next phase of growth. The current management team and executive leadership will ensure stability and continuity in day-to-day operations during this transition period.

Hussein Esufally, Chairman, Hemas Holdings, expressed his gratitude for Kasturi’s contributions and acknowledged and respected her decision to step down. He emphasized that the Board is committed to ensuring a smooth handover and continuing Hemas’ growth trajectory.

Hemas Holdings remains steadfast in its purpose to empower families and aspire for a better tomorrow. The company will provide updates as the CEO search progresses.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Fresh probe into Shiranthi’s bank account

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2025

editor

Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala has informed Parliament that a renewed investigation is underway into a fraudulent bank account allegedly maintained by Shiranthi Rajapaksa, wife of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He stated that a fake account titled ‘Siriliya Saviya’ had been opened in her name and that the mandate form related to the ‘Siriliya’ Organization’s bank accounts had been fraudulently removed from the bank.

The Minister further revealed :

The account, now suspended, was opened on November 14, 2006, at the People’s Bank, Suduwella Branch, Darley Road, Colombo 10, under account number 143/1/001/4/6235069. Shiranthi Rajapaksa is listed as the chairperson of the account, with Kalyani Dissanayake as secretary and Nirosha Jeevani as treasurer.

The account currently holds a balance of Rs.43 million. Records indicate that Rs. 82,900,088 had been deposited on 88 occasions, while Rs.39,015,656 had been withdrawn on 129 occasions. Additionally, a fixed deposit of Rs.10 million had been opened under the name ‘Siriliya’.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) has resumed investigations into the matter.

Deputy Minister also mentioned several other questionable financial transactions involving the Rajapaksa family, such as ;

Rs.152 million allegedly obtained by CSN (Carlton Sports Network) from the Treasury.
Rs.35 million obtained by Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the Urban Development Authority to build a memorial for his parents.
Rs.208 million used by Basil Rajapaksa to purchase a house in Malwana.

News

Maldivian President’s office officials on study tour at Prez secretariat

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

Officials from the Maldivian President’s Office arrived at the Presidential Secretariat today for a study tour. They are expected to remain in Sri Lanka until June 27th.

The primary areas of focus for their study tour include archives and records maintenance and preservation, stores management, inventory control and stock preservation.

During their visit, they are scheduled to tour the Department of National Archives, Sri Lanka Customs, Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat and the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Eight officials from the Maldivian President’s Office are participating in this study tour. They met with Mr. Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, at the Presidential Secretariat and engaged in a discussion.

A group of officials from the Presidential Secretariat also attended the meeting.

(President’s Media Division)

News

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, arrives in SL (Update)

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2025

editor

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has arrived in the island for an official visit.

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(Previous update 2025/06/23 at 9:11 am)

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk arrives in SL today

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights – Volker Türk, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka today (June 23).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, he is to remain in the country until June 26.

This is the first visit by a UN Human Rights Chief to Sri Lanka since February 2016.

During his stay, he is expected to meet with the President, Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, several other Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.