CaFFE claims PSC must resign

Members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) who have given a new appointment to R.A.A.K Ranawake, who had been sent on compulsory leave by the Ministry Secretary due to a number of allegations, must resign if they have any dignity, the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) claimed yesterday.

After CaFFE was informed that the appointment was made, the organisation sent a letter to the Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs J. Dadalla demanding explanation of  how Ranawake got his new appointment.  “This official was sent on compulsory leave by the Ministry Secretary, according to article 27.7 of chapter XLVIII of the establishment code, because he was arrested on 22 April and remanded. However the PSC has reinstated Ranawaka and appointed him to another ministry,” Dadalla has said. 

According to CaFFE, Dadalla added “Ranawake was initially appointed as the additional secretary of the Ministry of Primary Industries but PSC later appointed him as the additional secretary of the Ministry of Irrigation, considering his request.” 

The secretary further has said “the PSC has not informed the ministry why the officer was arrested and why he has been charged.” 

CaFFE Executive Director Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon charged it was obvious that the PSC has reinstated a corrupt official and given him an appointment in an institution of his preference. 

 “This is an indication that the PSC and some individuals, at strategic positions, are attempting cover up the past mistakes of corrupt officials” Tennakoon alleged. 

According to the 19th amendment one of the main roles of an independent commission is monitoring and evaluation. One of the PSC members was also a member of the cabinet sub-committee appointed to investigate the misuse of public property during the previous regime. The commission did not take action against many persons alleged with misuse of public property, CaFFE stressed.