State languages chief inebriated while on duty

 Sunday, 08 December 2013 

Commissioner of State Languages of the Democratic, Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka J.D.C. Jayasinghe attends to his official duties in an inebriated state, according to employees of his office. On one occasion, the state languages commissioner on all his fours at Mirigama town was brought to his Muddaragama home by several trishaw drivers. 

Up to now, persons with high intellect were appointed to the State Languages Department, established in 1958 to provide such services as providing language translations to the state, improving language skills of public officials and introducing technical words and preparing language textbooks and glossaries. In a clear violation of traditions, a notorious alcoholic and womanizer has been appointed to this esteemed position, say the department employees.

J.D.C. Jayasinghe is facing a charge of raping Maldeniyage Priyadrashani of Opatha, Minuwangoda in 1999 with a promise of a labourer job at Minuwangoda Hospital. On November 02 of the same year, the girl took her own life by drinking poison. Jayasinghe was able to get the case thrown under the carpet thereafter.

On another occasion, while at Ratnawali Girls’ School in Gampaha to fetch his daughters, he had squeezed the breast of an older student, and principal A.H.A. Jayawardena had severely reprimanded him. Parents complained to Gampaha police about the molestation, but, Jayasinghe escaped with the help of the late Reggie Ranatunga, a powerful politician in Gampaha at the time.

The seat occupied previously by such eminent persons as Dr. Nandadeva Wijesekara is now being occupied by an alcoholic, also accused of rape and child molestation.

Heads to role in state media institutions

 Sunday, 08 December 2013 

A change of heads of several state media institutions is due this week. Among them is the Rupavahini Corporation chairman, who will be removed without a replacement. 

In the place of Lake House chairman Bandula Padmakumara, Gyrika Perusinghe is to be appointed. To its director board, chairman of State Film Corporation Asoka Serasinghe and former chairman of Human Resources Council Nimal Bopage are to be appointed.

Former CEO of Rupavahini and Consul General in Canada Karunaratne Paranavithana, who has now returned to the country, is to be appointed director general of government information.