Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister S. B. Dissanayake has appointed his one-time co-ordinating secretary and controversial chief of the Amateur Athletic Association [AAA] Sunil Gunawardene as Deputy Chairman of the Livestock Board, ministry sources said.

Gunawardene quit the PA administration late last year along with the then Samurdhi Minister Dissanayake following serious differences with President Kumaratunga.

Ex-SLCTB chairman Ramal Siriwardene has been appointed the Chairman of the Board.

Last year, the UNP asked the PA to set up a Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire into Gunawardene’s conduct after six athletes, Susanthika Jayasinghe, Sriyani Kulawansa, Sugath Tillekaratne, Sriyantha Dissanayake, Rathakumar and Sujith Rohana accused him of corruption and favouritism.