Cultural Triangle staff used for election propaganda work
Monday, 9 September 2013 00:08
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Around 250 officers and other staff attached to the Cultural Triangle which functions under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are being used for election propaganda work, Transparency International Sri Lanka has complained to the Commissioner of Elections.
In a letter to the Commissioner, TISL has given details of findings by TISL’s Protection of Program to Protect Public Resources (PPPR) staff on how these officers and staff are utilised for election work. TISL has requested him to inquire into and find out whether they have been given official leave and an allowance as well.
The letter sent by TISL’s Executive Director, S. Ranugge states: Around 250 officers and other employees from the Cultural Triangle offices in Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa have been brought to Kurunegala and Yapahuwa for four days from 4 September. The party comprising officers, employees and security personnel were transported in Cultural Triangle cabs and buses.
They are busy pasting posters, distributing leaflets and doing house to house canvassing in Yapahuwa, Polpitigama, Nikawehera, Maho and Maeliya in support of UPFA candidates. They have been brought on the pretext of participating in a shramadana campaign at a Cultural Triangle site.
TISL’s Protection of Program to Protect Public Resources (PPPR) earnestly request you to pay immediate attention to this misuse of public officials and public property and take necessary steps to conduct a free and fair election. Kindly investigate whether they are being paid an allowance of Rs. 1,000 and whether they have been granted official leave.
