Former Secretary to the Petroleum Resources Development Ministry, Upali Marasinghe today assumed duties as the Chairman of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), after his predecessor Ramal Siriwardene tendered his resignation to Transport Ministry Secretary L.P. Jayampathy yesterday.

The ceremony was held at the SLTB head office in Narahenpita under the patronage of Transport Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and State Minister Ashok Abeysinghe.

Meanwhile, SLTB employees and trade unions said Mr. Siriwardene was forced to resign owing to the pressure exerted on him by high-ups in the ministry. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)