The longtime C.J.Patel Group Chief Financial officer  and corporate governance expert Ajith Kodagoda has resigned after almost 27 years of service.

He said it was time to move on to the next chapter in his life.

Mr Kodagoda, a Sri Lankan accountant, arrived in Fiji in 1992 to join C.J Patel. He went on to work very closely with the late visionary managing director Sundip Patel helping develop C.J. Patel in Fiji and internationally.

He said in an interview with Fiji Sun: “There is a right time to do every thing. I felt it’s the right time to move on to the next stage in my life.”

However, it is expected Mr Kodagoda’s role in Fiji could continue with national boards where he has played a transformative role lifting performance in the national interest.

He said: “As long as I am wanted I am happy to contribute in whatever way I can, the same way I have done over the years.”

Mr Kodagoda is currently chairman for:

• Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF)
• Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS)
• Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd (ATH)
• Vodafone Fiji Ltd
• Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd (FINTEL)
• Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF)

Other boards he is on include HFC Bank, where he has been among a team of directors working with chairman Tom Ricketts developing the country’s only locally-owned Bank.
Mr Kodagoda in response to questions said:

What role has given you most satisfaction working in the CJP Group?

I joined the company in 1992, as an Accountant almost 27 years ago.

Have seen the company grow and change over the years and have been a part of the team that has contributed to the growth of the company in my own way. I must mention that it was driven by Mr Sundip Patel who recruited me and I was the first expatriate to join the company.

It was life changing for me and my family with his untimely passing away and life could never be the same for me. I have always been satisfied with the things I had to do during my time at C.J. Patel Group.

Why are you leaving now and what are your plans going forward?

There is a right time to do every thing. I felt it’s the right time to move on to the next stage in my life. There is this famous saying, you should never wait around until people question  as to “why is he still here”, rather go at a time when people ask “ why is he leaving ?”

I always love the a song by Frank Sinatra, the lyrics of the song is reflective of my life so far.

And now the end is here

And so I face that final curtain

My friend I’ll make it clear

I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain

I’ve lived a life that’s full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more

I did it, I did it my way

Regrets, I’ve had a few

But then again too few to mention

I did what I had to do

I saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much, much more

I did it, I did it my way

Yes, there were times I’m sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself then he has naught

Not to say the things that he truly feels

And not the words of some who kneels

Let the record shows I took all the blows and did it my way

Other comments:

I am ever so grateful to everyone at C.J Patel and its other companies, business associates, business partners and of course the customers, that I have worked with over the years, and the support given to me both in my official and private life. I have over the years made many new friends in Fiji who are very close to me and my family, I wish I can continue to meet them and also assist them in any way possible even if I am not in full time employment. There has been a lot of support shown by the directors during the past three years, when we lost Mr Sundip Patel and it was a tough and emotional time for most of us.

The company in my opinion is now  very stable and at a very good place due the direction and guidance of all of them.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj