The port TUs alliance made representations in this regard to the prime minister during a recent meeting.

Following the discussion on April 11, the TUs abandoned their fast and strike over the curtailment of their bonus and several other demands, but they stressed that their fight against the chairman would continue until he was removed.

They brought four matters to the attention of the PM, who was surprised to learn them, reports say.

How SLPA act was breached

They are - as per the SLPA act of 1979, the subject minister should appoint a chairman and four directors for the SLPA.

The minister should be satisfied with the port development, legal, financial, maritime, commerce, engineering, administrative or labour relation skills and experience of the person to be appointed the chairman.

Since the adoption of the act, the SLPA chairman had been a graduate, lawyer, engineer, medical doctor or an experienced administrator.

That was the case from the first chairman Wimal Amarasekara to Dr. Lakdas Panagoda, the Ranatunga-appointee in the 100-day government.

Not even basic qualifications

However, Dhammika is without even the basic qualifications to head the SLPA, despite his appointment last September.

He has studied science for his A/L, but does not have at least an external degree to his credit, or any other professional qualification.

After representing Sri Lanka as a cricketer, he became Sri Lanka CEO with the courtesy of Thilanga Sumathipala, but has not held an administrative position in any recognized institution.

US citizen

After leaving Sri Lanka and becoming a US citizen, he has worked at several vehicle sale institutions in the US.

He has applied for dual citizenship, but not yet been able to gain it.

Despite a request by the parliamentary committee on top positions for his revenue reports and educational certificates, he has not submitted them for perusal.

Warned by courts

Meanwhile, Dhammika has been severely warned by Colombo chief magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya and released on two sureties of Rs. 100,000 each, after being produced before courts on a charge of threatening a journalist covering a court case.

The magistrate said that going by his conduct at a court of law, he could imagine how lowly Dhammika would behave at the SLPA.