PAFFREL calls for action against GMOA President attending SLPP event

People’s Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has asked Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya to take appropriate action against Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya for attending a political event.

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has pointed out that Dr. Padeniya attending the launch event of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election manifesto would have an indirect impact on the membership of the GMOA.

PAFFREL Executive Director noted that media has reported Dr. Padeniya participating in the event and it has been observed that he was seated in the front row.

While there is no obstruction for an association to hand over proposals to presidential candidates, attending a political event of significance is a direct involvement in politics, the election monitor said.

Hettiarachchi pointed out that Chapter 32 of the Establishments Code clearly states that a Government Medical Officer falls into the category of Staff Officers and therefore cannot participate in any political process other than voting.

In his letter, PAFFREL Director pointed out that a staff grade government trade union leader, who should be neutral, engaging in a political process in this manner, will set a precedent for other staff officers’ unions also to enter into political process and this would adversely affect free and fair elections in the country.

He has said that this situation could pose a serious challenge to the free elections in the country and if the staff officers’ trade unions engaging in politics is not stopped at first, the situation will be out of control in the future.

A copy of the letter to the Election Commission Chairman has also been sent to the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Secretary Vasantha Perera.

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has also lodged a complaint with the Election Commission over Dr. Padeniya’s conduct.

Furthermore, the CMEV has requested the Election Commission to reconsider the deployment of GMOA members for election duties on the day of Elections as its President is engaged in promotion of the SLPP candidate directly.