Sustainable Energy Authority gets new Chairman
Prasad Galhena assumed duties as the new Chairman of Sri Lanka
Sustainable Energy Authority with effect from Tuesday.
Having a proven track record of turning around several failing state
institutions, he brings in a wealth of experience in management with the
view to make a positive impact on the development of the industry.
Prasad Galhena taking oaths |
As Chairman SEA Galhena, intends spearheading a drive to ensure, at
least 20% of the total energy requirement of the country will be
achieved through sustainable sources by the year 2020. This will
contribute to a considerable reduction in the import of fossilfuel.
As Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Authority, Galhena cleared several
pressing issues some of which were outstanding for over a decade.
2012 was the best performing year for the Gem and Jewellery Authority
in its 41 year history. This year also saw the highest bonus paid,
highest number of licenses issued, highest number of raids conducted on
unlicensed mines, high exports and the highest closure of unauthorized
mines.
However, with the introduction of heavily supervised mechanized
mining unproductive mines have now begun to show profit and this gave
the mining industry a boost as a whole.
During his 15 month tenure, issues in the mining industry, exporting
and the administration were put right. The mechanism has been set in
motion to make Ratnapura Regional Office a one stop shop for those in
the industry. As presently a prospective mine owner has to visit several
offices to get the license to operate a mine. The Ratnapura Gem Museum
is also on the slate and will be opened shortly.
Further on developments a tourist shopping street made on Demuwawa
Road. This will have all attractions for the tourist visiting Ratnapura.
'Idar Oberstein' a city in Germany which is the centre of the Gem
industry in Europe will sign a memorandum making Ratnapura its twin
city. The agreement will be signed by the Mayors of both cities. He
leaves the Gem and Jewellery Authority a better place. Expansions
initiated by him are the lab facilities and establishing regional
centers for the purpose of assaying and hallmarking facilities of
Jewellery in Colombo, Galle, Kandy and Jaffna,
As the Chairman of the Shipping Corporation during the period of 18
months several new divisions were added and profitable ventures were
undertaken.
The Ferry Service, Feeder Service for Vessels for India and
Bangladesh, a Freight Logistics Division created , Personal Baggage
Handling, the transportation of coal for the Norochcholai power plant
are among some ventures initiated by him, thus generating the highest
profit shown in the last two decades.
Prasad Galhena has BBA (Hon) 1st Class and MBA (Hon) from the
University of Colombo, a fellow the Chartered Institute of Management
Accounting(CIMA - UK) and past finalist of both the Chartered Institute
of Accountants Sri Lanka and the Charted Institute of Marketing UK. |