It is reported that Rajiv Sooriyarachchi has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA).
It replaces the imprisoned former MP Duminda Silva.
Rajiv Sooriyarachchi was previously the Vice President of Airport and Aviation (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd.
Duminda Silva, who was serving a prison sentence, was pardoned by the President and appointed as the Chairman of the National Housing Development Authority after his release.
Duminda Silva, who was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, has been remanded again according to an order by the Supreme Court (May 31) suspending his presidential pardon.
The court allowed the hearing of fundamental rights petitions filed by several parties, including Hirunika Premachandra and her mother.
The petitioners had pointed out to the court that although there is a provision in the Constitution to grant a Presidential pardon, the procedure prescribed in the Constitution for granting pardon to a person sentenced to death has not been followed.
Attorney General Sanjaya Rajaratnam had on the same day (May 31) instructed IGP C. D. Wickramaratne to take necessary action as per the order issued by the Supreme Court.
Duminda Silva was arrested by the CID on June 01 after the court ordered his remand.