CBK causes ripples in SLFP
Several public service appointments made in the North, most of which were on a contract basis, have been cancelled following the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections.
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is in jitters over former President Chandrika Kumaratunga's reported overtures to form a new youth organization.
North appointments cancelled
October 5, 2013
Several public service appointments made in the North, most of which were on a contract basis, have been cancelled following the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) elections.
Over 600 people were given appointments in the public service in the North a few months ahead of the elections, including in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts.
In July letters of appointment were handed over to 645 people at an event held under the patronage of Northern Governor G.A. Chandrasiri at the Weerasingham Hall in Jaffna.
At the time the government announced through the State media that the appointments were given to fill vacancies “with the intention of imparting a more efficient and streamlined public service to the Northern polity”.
State media also quoted the Northern Province Public Service Commission as saying that the appointments had been made to those found suitable to fill the vacancies after interviews were conducted with the selected applicants.
However this week some 400 of those appointments were cancelled by the provincial secretary of the North.
“We were given appointments just before the recent elections. However now all the appointments have been suspended. He has said that since there is a new provincial council, the council will decide on the appointments,” a resident of Vavuniya who was among those whose public service appointments were cancelled, said.
Of the appointments cancelled, 124 people were from the Vavuniya district. Most of those who lost their new jobs were health sector staff.
“I was given an appointment on a six month contract basis. I was also told that after six months I will be made permanent. But I have not got my salary for two months,” a health worker said.
When contacted, the office of the Northern Province Governor said that the appointments cancelled were of those who were on a contract basis. The Governor’s office also said that adequate funds had not been allocated for the appointments. (Colombo Gazette)
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is in jitters over former President Chandrika Kumaratunga's reported overtures to form a new youth organization.
This follows reports reaching the government that the former President has had several meetings with several SLFP MPs in Kandy.
Last week, Minister Duminda Dissanayake, the son of the former North-Central Province Chief Minister, Berty Premalal Dissanayake, caused a storm within the SLFP, after he devoted a significant part of his speech to express his family's gratitude to former President Kumaratunga. Dissanayake Jr. recollected how his father had been unfairly treated within the SLFP, and heaped praise on the former President for visiting Dissanayake Sr. while in his deathbed.
Last week, Minister Duminda Dissanayake, the son of the former North-Central Province Chief Minister, Berty Premalal Dissanayake, caused a storm within the SLFP, after he devoted a significant part of his speech to express his family's gratitude to former President Kumaratunga. Dissanayake Jr. recollected how his father had been unfairly treated within the SLFP, and heaped praise on the former President for visiting Dissanayake Sr. while in his deathbed.
Dissanayake's speech has ruffled feathers within the SLFP hierarchy and inside party sources said the President is expected to reprimand the Cabinet Minister, purportedly over his conduct.
Meanwhile, eyebrows have been raised by protests initiated by the son of Prime Minister, Anuradha Jayaratne, against the reappointment of Sarath Ekanayake as the Chief Minister of the Central Province.
The appearance of Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne in the protest has caused concern within the ruling party echelons, which have termed the move tantamount to challenging the President's decision, inside SLFP sources, who requested anonymity said.
Sources said the SLFP leadership is concerned as to whether there is a link between the recent discussions held between former President Kumaratunga and the SLFP seniors and the recent developments.
