EC questioned on Sagala’s dual role as Govt. employee and UNP organiser

Thursday, 28 March 2024 03:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Journalist Lasantha Ruhunage has written to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL), requesting clarification regarding whether former United National Party (UNP) MP Sagala Ratnayake, presently serving as the President’s Chief of Staff, is eligible to concurrently hold the position of National Organizer within a political party.

In a letter dated 23 March 2024 to ECSL Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayake, Ruhunage highlighted that in his current role as the President’s Chief of Staff, Ratnayake is restricted from engaging in political campaigning activities due to his status as a Government employee.

Ruhunage, citing the relevant Constitutional provision, has inquired if a public servant lacking such political rights can simultaneously serve as the National Organizer of the UNP.

Notably Ratnayake was observed delivering a speech at the inaugural UNP rally in Kuliyapitiya earlier this month, marking the commencement of the party’s political campaign leading up to the impending

elections.

Ruhunage in his letter also urged the Commission to investigate President Wickremesinghe’s announcement at the Kuliyapitiya gathering regarding the doubling of benefits under the Aswesuma social security scheme.

Ruhunage emphasised that it falls upon the ECSL to guarantee equitable conditions for all political parties during the upcoming elections.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.