Abeyratna has been appointed to fill the position left vacant by the resignation of the former chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, who tendered his resignation following the NSB's controversial share purchase transaction.
Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera has told media that the appointment was in an acting capacity.
Former Chairman and the entire board of directors of the state-owned bank resigned following the Bank's controversial purchase of a 13 percent stake of The Finance Company at an inflated rate per stock.
The NSB purchased 7,863,362 shares of The Finance Company for nearly Rs. 394 million at an average price of Rs.49.74 per share when each share was valued between Rs. 30-31.
The President has ordered the Ministry of Finance to investigate the deal as public pressure mounted on the controversial deal.
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