An independent non-executive director of Sri Lanka Telecom, Reyaz Mihular, has been appointed as Sri Lanka Telecom chairman, replacing Rohan Fernando.

SLT Group Company Secretary Mahesh Athukorala said in a statement that, as per the CSE regulations, Fernando has been removed from the post with effect from today.

However, he will continue to be an independent non-executive director of the board, the statement said.

Rohan Fernando, while confirming his resignation from the post, said that it was the result of a boardroom coup’.

He said that he had been removed to facilitate the sale of this profitable State venture. The new Chairman, Reyaz Mihular, is a managing partner of KPMG Sri Lanka.