General

SEC DG placed on compulsory leave pending probe

A.R.B.J Rajapaksha
Aug 27 2025
17

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has sent its Director General, Chinthaka Mendis, on compulsory leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

The decision, approved by President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, follows a recommendation by the SEC Commissioners. Deputy Director General Tushara Jayaratne has been appointed Officer-in-Charge until the inquiry concludes.

While the SEC has not disclosed specific reasons, concerns were recently raised regarding a potential conflict of interest linked to Mendis’s family connection with the Colombo Stock Exchange’s CEO-designate, which was not declared during the appointment process. The matter has also been referred to the Attorney General’s Department for an opinion.