He is the first ever Buddhist monk to be appointed a director of a listed company, reports lankacnews website owned by former minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Palitha Thera is also deputy secretary of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Society, UNP-affiliate United Bhikku Front’s secretary and chief incumbent of Nalandarama Vihara in Nugegoda.

Attempts to reach him by phone for confirmation of his new posting were unsuccessful.