JVP condemns Government appointments based on nepotism

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has condemned nepotism apparent in Government appointments to State institutions, including the Board of Airport and Aviation Services, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

At a press conference held yesterday, JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Rathnayake said that there were a number of issues with the chairpersons and directors appointed to State institutions, with friends, relatives, and political connections being favoured over those with professional qualifications and experience.

“During the election campaign, the President said they will appoint qualified and highly suited people in addition to appointing a Committee to make these appointments,” Rathnayake said, adding that some of the members of this Committee itself have corruption charges against them.

He went on to say that one of the main reasons State institutions are making losses is because unqualified people have been appointed in leadership roles. In addition to this, Rathnayake said, “People with corruption allegations and those on bail on corruption charges have been appointed to high positions.”

He added that chairpersons and directors of a number of State institutions were yet to be appointed and that the Government should have made necessary arrangements prior to calling for chairpersons and director boards of State institutions to step down in November 2019 and that this would lead to increased inefficiency in the State sector.