TNA Mandated to Seek a Solution; It Can Not Stay Outside – Sumanthiran

( TNA leaders at Geneva HRC, March 2013)

18/01/2016

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Spokesman and Jaffna District Parliamentarian, M. A. Sumanthiran is of the view, given the fact that Tamils have repeatedly given overwhelming mandates to the party to work for a just solution to their problems, it would be appropriate that a lasting solution to the issue comes from the TNA. In an interview on constitution making with the Sunday Observer, the Parliamentarian who is also a respected Human Rights lawyer says the TNA proposals to the Constitutional Assembly would be drawn from the Mangala Moonesinghe recommendations, the three proposals of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and from Mahinda Rajapaksa’s APRC expert committee report.

Excerpts:

Q: The Third Republican Constitution is in the making to resolve the ethnic problem. What are the salient features of the TNA proposal on the Tamil problem to be presented to the Constitutional Assembly?

A: We have articulated our position regarding the Constitution. That is well-known to the people and the government. When we held talks with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2011, we came to an agreement that this could be solved on the basis of the former governments proposals -the Mangala Moonesinghe proposals, the three proposals of President Chandrika Kumaratunga and President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s APRC expert committee report. Our position today is the same. Ever since the 13th Amendment was identified as being insufficient to meet the aspirations of the Tamil people, there have been various efforts. All these documents that I mentioned came as government proposals. These were not our proposals and we are willing to resolve the issue on these proposals.

Q: Do you think you will get the consensus of all ranks within the party?

A: Our party has a clear position on settlement, because at the 2010 General Election we articulated that position. In the Provincial Council election too we confirmed it and in our manifesto for the August 2015 election, too we expressed the same desire. Right from the start, our people have given us an overwhelming mandate to pursue that solution. The consensus was arrived at within the ranks of the TNA.

Q: If you are asking for a unit of devolution based on the unification of the North and the East, are you holding talks or have you held talks with other stakeholders in the provinces, especially the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and other Muslim parties, on reaching a consensus?

A: Yes, we have already held a series of meetings with the stakeholders. We had one meeting with the SLMC because it is the oldest of the Muslim parties. We have not come to any conclusion as yet.

Q: Do you think the SLMC will submit its own proposals to the Constitutional Assembly

A: That, I do not know.

Q: Do you expect any pressure from the Tamil diaspora organisations or any other outside forces on the devolution package that you should ask for?

A: There is no pressure from anyone, either from within the country or outside. Nobody can dictate to us or pressurise us to change that position. Our position is in our manifesto and has been endorsed by our people.

Q: Can I take it as India being included as well?

A: Talking about India, the current Provincial Council system was implemented as a result of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord. However, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, as a sequel to the Accord, is insufficient to address the problems of the Tamils and did not interpret the principles and spirit of the Accord in the Constitution. The Indo-Lanka Accord is a significant milestone in the constitution-making process and the principles incorporated in it should be adhered to.

The President on January 9, clearly said that both the Bandaranaike-Chelvanayakam Pact and the Dudley-Chelvanayakam Pact are important. Had they been implemented there would never have been a separatist war. The Indo-Lanka Accord has specifically dealt with certain crucial issues and we are of the stand that all aspects of the Indo-Lanka Accord should find their place in the new constitution of Sri Lanka.

Q: TNA’s Northern Province Chief Minister (CM) C.V.Wigneswaran who launched the Tamil People’s Council (TPC) with several other Tamil leaders, in December last year is going his own way against the decisions of the party leadership. Your comments ?

A: The TPC is a creation of various people who have been marginalised by the people at elections. It seems like it is an outfit to bring back proposals that have been rejected by the people time and again. Nevertheless, if they want an outfit like that and want to make their own representation and present a proposal, it is welcome because everybody must have the right to have a say in this process.

Anyone who belongs to any particular political party must first abide by the policies of that party. Any person belonging to the TNA cannot take a decision contrary to the principles of the party on matters relating to the Tamil people.

The CM’s participation in the TPC meeting was not known to us until after the outfit was set up. Everything was done in secret behind the back of the TNA. Such an exercise cannot be considered a transparent process for the people’s participation. The people who accuse the TNA on issues of transparency have not, up to this moment officially informed the TNA as to why this was formed and what the objectives are. We keep getting contradictory messages.

Spokesman Suresh Premachandran says it will evolve into a political party, while CM Wigneswaran says it is not a political party but a citizens’ forum. There is confusion as to the true nature of the TPC.

Anyone has the right to form organisations and agitate democratically for demands or aspirations. There should never be a barrier. If they belong to a party which has a specific policy on matters concerning the people, they cannot take a different stand.

Q: You have insisted to the party hierarchy on disciplinary action against CM Wigneswaran but no action has been taken. Why?

A: I never insisted on disciplinary action against the CM, instead I only spoke against his actions at the party central committee meeting which I had the right to do. That was leaked to the media and the media blew it out of proportion. The issue that I raised was his defiance to support party candidates at the August 2016 general election and the statement he issued, which was interpreted by many people as a request to vote for a rival party. That is not something any political party will condone.

Q: Some leaders of TNA constituents, especially Suresh Premachandran anad Sitharthan have collaborated with the activities of the TPC. Will it not contribute to politically weakening the TNA?

A: It does not and cannot happen. The TNA has got the approval of the people. The party repeatedly got the endorsement of the people. If the ‘rejects’ get together, to form an outfit and seek the support of the people, it can never cause damage to the TNA because it is the people who elected the TNA and endorsed its policies.

Q: How far are they correct in their accusations that the TNA has fallen in line with the UNF Government and is not capable of wining the just and legitimate rights of the Tamil people?

A: They are wrong in that assessment. The UNF government is drafting the constitution. We cannot stay outside and criticise the process. Instead we must get in and make our contribution to enact a new constitution.

Q: Do you believe that with the TNA proposal incorporated in the new constitution it would be endorsed by the people at a referendum?

A: This is a negotiating process. Eventually something should evolve which was agreed to by the UNP, the SLFP, the TNA, the SLMC and others. If it is passed by a two-third majority in Parliament with the consensus of all political parties, that will reflect in the referendum.

Q: The TPC with leaders of political parties whom you said as rejected by the people seems to take a radical stand with regard to a solution to the Tamil problem. Do you think that it will unduly delay a lasting solution and do you think that they have any hidden motives?

A: I do not know whether they have any hidden motives but certainly their proposals cannot delay a lasting solution to the Tamil problem. The people have given us a clear mandate to represent them and play our role in enacting the constitution.

Q: During his recent visit to the hill country, Mavai Senadhirajah said the TNA will stand by the plantation community and work for their just rights. Is that the policy of the TNA?

A: The TNA has always stood for the rights of the plantation people. We will continue to stand for the rights of the plantation Tamils and also for the rights of the Muslims.

by P. Krishnaswamy

(SO)

16.01.16 MEDIA RELEASE--HATE SPEECH

ALL MANIFESTATIONS OF HATE SPEECH MUST BE BANNED BY LAW

The sudden display of “Sinha le” posters and stickers in public places, private motor vehicles including buses and three wheelers, and on social media, gives the appearance of being part of an organized political campaign that seeks to exploit nationalist emotions.   The term “Sinhale” was used during the period of Western colonial invasion that began in the 16th century to represent that part of the country that remained free of colonial rule.  However, today it being given the meaning of “Sinhala blood” by being broken into two parts as “Sinha Le” with the second part being depicted in red.   While the word “Sinhale” is part of the country’s historical tradition, its current usage through posters, sticker, social media and on properties of ethnic and religious minorities is a form of severe intimidation to them.  When these words are spray painted on their properties it constitutes hate speech which is prohibited in international law to which Sri Lanka is signatory.

The National Peace Council is mindful of the aggressive campaign against the ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Muslims in the period immediately prior to 2015.  In some instances it resulted in extreme violence where sections of towns were subjected to arson attacks.  This hate campaign was led by Buddhist clergy belonging to the Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS) and supported by a section of the former government, which ensured that they obtained impunity.    However, racism and intolerance based on blood ties are not part of the Buddhist ethos.  Therefore the motivating force behind the “Sinhale” campaign has to be partisan politics that seeks to use narrow ethnic nationalism to its advantage.  

NPC holds that it is the role of the government to maintain peace between individuals, and that this is a key role of the State.  The State must act to prevent hate speech as it provokes violence. Society cannot tolerate hate speech on the ground of free speech. Hate speech is speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other trait. We may have ideas of hate but cannot express them because they offend other people who are the victims of such speech.   We understand the need to tread carefully on the banning of hate speech as it can be used to stymie legitimate political opinion.  The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill and the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill which were proposed to ban hate speech were withdrawn, due to public protests as key provisions in them were drawn from the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act.  

NPC emphasizes the need for new legislation as the “Sinhale” campaign demonstrates intolerance and denial of the rights of religious minorities and could potentially lead to violence and disrupt the building of a tolerant and peaceful society, if not nipped in the bud forthwith.  There are currently a number of different religious and inter-religious efforts that are attempting to create and promote post-war reconciliation in Sri Lanka.  Religious groups could spread the message of peace in effective and sustainable ways.  In addition to tackling this problem of hate speech by means of legislation, inter-religious initiatives which aim to bridge ethno-religious divides and establish a discourse of understanding will provide concrete evidence that the national commitment to reconciliation is strong.  

Governing Council

The National Peace Council is an independent and non partisan organization that works towards a negotiated political solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. It has a vision of a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka in which the freedom, human rights and democratic rights of all the communities are respected. The policy of the National Peace Council is determined by its Governing Council of 20 members who are drawn from diverse walks of life and belong to all the main ethnic and religious communities in the country.

Crowd-sourcing a New Constitution for Sri Lanka: Mind the Gaps!

• by Nalaka Gunawardene 
• - on 01/19/2016 

Sri Lanka wants to make a new Constitution in a radically different way. It is poised to become the first developing country in the world to ‘crowd-source’ ideas for making the highest law of the land.

That is all well and good – as long as the due process is followed, and that process has intellectual rigour, transparency and integrity. Therein lies the big challenge.

On 17 January 2016, Prime Minister of Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined the new constitution-making process as “inclusive, transparent and in line with election pledges”.

Crowd-sourcing a New Constitution for Sri Lanka Mind the Gaps! by Thavam Ratna

President Should Awaken the Statesman in Him to Embark on Social and Political Reforms – Prof. Sarath Wijesuriya

(Professor Sarath Wijesuriya, SLB photo)

18/01/2016

Distinguished Colombo University don Professor Sarath Wijesuriya, Convener of the National Movement for a Just Society (NMJS), fired cannons at the government last week at its seemingly ‘lethargic’ approach on ensuring good governance. The Professor, who succeeded NMJS founder, the late Ven. Maduluwave Sobhitha Thera, as the Movement’s Convenor, is a key member of the civil society coalition which supported the political change of January 8, 2015. He made these remarks at the launch of his book Hudekalawa in Colombo, last week.

“We ensured the Rajapaksas’ defeat at the last Presidential election. We have no regrets about it. We know that the best leadership choices for the country at the moment are President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. But that does not mean we are entirely happy with the state of affairs in the present government,” Wijesuriya said, commencing his fiery speech.

The professor also directed criticism at the controversial song made to mark President Sirisena’s first anniversary in office. Although the President’s office said it had nothing to do with the song and that there was no ‘official’ song to mark the President’s inauguration, Wijesuriya held the President’s media advisers accountable for the song.

“Those who brought this government to power should maintain a continuous dialogue on its shortcomings. This constructive criticism should be done without vested interests, without expecting perks and privileges from the government.

Those who supported former President Rajapaksa to ascend to power never criticized his government at any cost.

“They became mere yes-men and unconditional stooges of the Rajapaksa family. Today, the same elements who were responsible for Rajapaksa’s downfall are gathering around President Sirisena. In addition to them, a section of those who supported the President to ascend to power are also acting like stooges.

President Sirisena at 2016 January 08 the memorial service for late Maduluwawe Thero – SLB photo

“It is quite evident that President Sirisena is already undertaking an extremely tough job. The national unity government formed by the President is an artificial phenomenon. There is no life in it. As a result, President Sirisena is compelled to give life-support to the unity government from outside. I am sure the President himself is not too happy with some of the developments within his own government. But, the citizens of the country are getting tired of it by the day.

“President Sirisena, a leader who has earned wide respect in international circles, needs an exceptional secretary such as Bradman Weerakoon who can handle his public image. The President should not speak impulsively, letting all his feelings out. On the other hand, he should speak at the most appropriate occasions. As there is no national election around the corner, the President should now grant leave to the politician living in his soul. He should now awaken the statesman in him and embark on social and political reforms.

“Under the Rajapaksa rule, some prominent personalities ended up being victims of politicization. Two of the finest examples in this regard are Prof. Carlo Fonseka and Vasudeva Nanayakkara. Prof Fonseka, a staunch of ally of the Leftist movement and a intellectual of the highest calibre, became a blind follower of Rajapaksa-ism. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, a humanist and a Leftist politician who had a great understanding of arts and culture, has now aligned himself with a bunch of power-hungry racists and extremists.

“Some sections think Wimal Weerawansa is a fine orator. He is considered a good orator because there is a huge vacuum in the country’s political sphere. A good orator can always enrich the national psyche and uplift the standards of the collective intelligence of the people.

A rabble-rouser and a man who panders to the most primitive chauvinistic sentiments of the people cannot be considered a fine orator.

Weerawansa is a man who exploits race and religion for his own survival,” Wijesuriya said in his hard-hitting speech, sending the government a loud and clear message to understand its priorities. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Deputy Media Minister Karunarathne Paranavithana were also in the audience when Wijesuriya made his speech.

The Convener of the NMSJ also directed his criticism at UNP MP Hirunika Premachandra and Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran for allegedly violating the basic tenets of ‘good governance’.

– Excerpts from a Sunday Observer article

Constitution Making: Some Points for Reflection

By Jayadeva Uyangoda-January 19, 2016, 11:10 am 
University of Colombo

A constitution can acquire this quality only if it enshrines a set of collective normative goals, as suggested above, that all citizens can share, subscribe to, defend, and be proud of, thereby giving a new meaning and substance to the idea of patriotism. Thus, a new constitution should be one that enables a political value based love of the country. When each of our citizens, from Point Pedro to Devinuwara and Kattankudy to Negombo can say, "I love my country because I love my country’s  Constitution," it would be the day of greatest political fulfillment for Sri Lanka.

Constitution Making Some Points for Reflection by Thavam Ratna

AG’s special favours for Thilina Gamage

- Jan 19, 2016

The talk in the legal circles these days is as to whether Colombo additional magistrate Thilina Gamage is getting special favours and treatment from the attorney general’s department. That is because the enforcement of the law against him is taking place at a very slow pace. 

Legal action is now underway against several monks, Ali Roshan and others, who are accused of elephant rackets. However, authorities are adopting a lazy approach with regard to Gamage. 

 

There is a considerable delay on the part of the AG’s department in dealing with his case. CID sources say action cannot be taken against him until advice is received from the AG. 

 

Society is wondering about this indolent approach in dealing with the illegal acts of persons tasked with administering justice, while the law takes its due course against others. 

Gunaratnam & The JVP

By Lionel Bopage –January 19, 2016

Dr. Lionel Bopage

The necessity for changing the political culture of distorting history and resorting to personal slander: Part 7

When I left the JVP in February 1984 after submitting my letter of resignation, not a single issue raised therein had been taken up for critical discussion among the leaders or members. However, later came a lot of personal slander against me. During this time, a lot of falsification of history and personal slander had been used as weapons to destroy the political line I held. With time, the letter of resignation came into the public domain, and the JVP could not sustain its personal slander campaign in the longer term, but had to open up the ideological and practical issues, particularly related to the national question that I had raised in my letter. Still, the JVP did not reject the fact that I was part and parcel of the JVP until I tendered my resignation.

As was done in the Soviet era, certain previous writings, photographs and publications had been destroyed, suppressed or edited. In the latter part of the eighties, political opponents had been eliminated. For example, the JVP suppressed publications made in the latter part of the seventies and the early part of the eighties, such as, Comrade Rohana Wijeweera’s Avasthavadayada? Nirdhana Panthi Jathyantharavadayada?[1](Opportunism or Proletarian Internationalism?), Mine Jathika Gataluwa Gana Marxvadee Vigrahayak (A Marxist Analysis on The National Problem)[2], JVP London Branch’s The Constitution of Sri Lanka and the National Question[3], the original songs of Vimukthi Gee[4] (Songs of Liberation), the original photos of JVP rallies and marches etc.

The state led by President J R Jayawardena used Black July riots in July 1983 against Tamils as a pretext to ban the JVP. This drove the JVP underground and led to the subsequent episode of killings and reprisal killings by the armed wings and para militaries of the state and the JVP. The then UNP regime has been blamed for killing 60,000 youth during the 1988-89 insurgency, while the former leader of the JVP admitted nearly 6,000 people had been killed due to the JVP violence. The current leader of the JVP has apologisedover these killings during the 1988-89 period.

Read More

Although a Good Governance is made irregularities happen – Arjuna Ranathunga

Jan 19, 2016

Ports and Marine affairs minister Arjuna Ranathunga said if the cricket players are alleged for match fixing an impartial and independent investigation should be conducted. Meantime the minister said although a Good Governance is made there are discrepancies happening. Minister said this today 19th afternoon participating for a monitoring visit to the Hambantota Mahinda Rajapaksa international harbor.  The ports authority said the specialty of the minister’s visit was to monitor the 12000 number of vehicles imported for the re-export which has been exceeded when comparing with the past.

Minister gave the following opinion to the media

 

“The re-export of Hambantota ports has been increased by 142% when compared with last month. We tried to make the Hambantota harbor as the main harbor. Now the vehicle export and the re-export are continuing well. Meantime we have given many opportunities for the foreign companies to come and use our facilities. We are expecting to pay and finish the loan we took to build the Hambantota harbor. A Chinese investor has come to build a dockyard at the Hambantota ports and another few investors are discussing with us. We are trying to sign agreements with these investors soon and expect to pay and finish our loans.

 

Commenting on the current crisis in the cricket minister Ranathunga said.

 

“When conducting investigation any cricketer should not be hindered. If the player is innocent, from the minister and the cricket board announcements the player’s reputation would be harmed. I personally think if a player is charged for an allegation we have to investigate properly and search. We cannot get surprised if these things rise up in the future because now the cricket is managed by people who are indulged in gambling. If so how can we expect the players not to get involved in match fixing. Even if we create a Good Governance such irregularities happen. This is an unfortunate situation for the Good Governance as well as for us”

Lankan Smuggler escapes Dubai arrest 

through toilet window 


2016-01-19
Details of the incident at Jebel Ali Port emerged as prosecutors tried the Sri Lankan in absentia on Monday. The man, who was in the shipping business, remains at large. 

Dubai Court of First Instance was told that the suspect tried to bring red sandalwood, which is banned because of its endangered status, into the port on July 9, 2013.

Prosecutors said the suspect knew that the container would be searched so he phoned one of the port inspectors, an Emirati, and offered him a bribe. 

The officer testified: “He called me and asked for help to allow a container with banned, red sandalwood into the country.” 

The inspector told his director, who asked him to play along and pretend to help him. The inspector said: “He offered me Dhs50,000, but I asked for Dhs80,000 and he agreed.” 

The next day, the two met and the accused gave the inspector the necessary papers for the container and a cheque of Dhs80,000.

 It was at that point that Dubai Customs inspectors apprehended the man and phoned the police.

 But the inspector said: “We arrested him and called Dubai Police. He asked the security guard to go to the bathroom and then escaped before police arrived.” 

Judge Mohammad Jamal adjourned. 

The CITES agreement bans importing the red sandalwood. The timber is highly prized in China and can be used to make traditional medicine, facial products and soaps. (Source: 7days.ae) 

Abuse Of National List: Impotent Judiciary Reported To Commonwealth

 

January 19, 2016 

A body of Sri Lankan professionals living in the UK have reported to the commonwealth about the executive controlled impotent justice system in Sri Lanka, to seek immediate intervention to ensure that the government of Sri Lanka adhere to the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles, with regards the judiciary.

Chief Justice K. Sripavan

The report submitted to the Commonwealth draws its attention to the abuse of National List to elect rejected candidates as MPs by the political party secretaries, which is now being challenged in the Supreme Court, by the public interest litigation activist and a lawyer Nagananda Kodituwakku, with a request made to appoint a fuller bench of the Court to hear and determine this case, considering the national importance of the matter.

However, the Chief Justice giving no reasons whatsoever has arbitrarily rejected the request. The CJ stated that in his opinion the case filed challenging the abuse of people’s sovereign right of franchise is not a matter of national importance. This ruling, apparently made under intense pressure from the Executive, has then been challenged by the Counsel Kodituwakku on the basis that CJ’s ruling was manifestly flawed, as the CJ had failed to give any reasons, justifying his ruling on a matter of national importance, despite it directly affecting the sovereign right of franchise of the people a right protected by the constitution.

In this backdrop the counsel had urged the CJ by a Motion filed in Court to appoint a fuller bench to hear the case, sans the Chief Justice K. Siripavan, as he has shown his bias towards executive. The counsel has also requested the Chief Justice not to appoint Justice Sarath Arbrew (an accused charged on a indictment served on him) and also Justice Eva Wanasundara, as she had refused to release Supreme Court determination record citing that it contained ‘classified information’. Whereas the said record contained the blatant fraud involving all three branches of the government; the legislature, the executive and also the judiciary which permitted the 14th amendment to the Constitution 1988, without refereeing it to the people at a referendum. The Counsel had also informed the Court that it had already violated the Constitution for its failure to hear and determine the case filed in Court on 13th Oct 2015 [within the stipulated period of two years].

In this background CJ has alleged that the stand taken by the Counsel Kodituwakku, where the counsel stated that the hearing should be held without the presence of the CJ, was an ‘obstruction of justice’. The CJ has called upon the Bar Association for the 26th Jan 2016 to make its own observations on the CJ’s allegations made against the Counsel Kodituwakku.                         Read More

Rajapaksa sons 90 million worth luxury vehicle

Jan 19, 2016

It is being revealed that the owner of the accident of a vehicle which drove fast without number plates, collided with a three wheeler injuring a person on May 1st 2014 at Baseline Road is no one but the former president’s son.

The car was identified as a Ford Mustang type vehicle which the sordid media during the Rajapaksa regime did not publish the news.

As soon the accident happen the special task force soon came to the scene and removed the vehicle. The social websites during the time stated that before the injured person was taken to the hospital the luxury vehicle which caused the accident was removed.

 

Later it was revealed the luxury vehicle was not taken to the police station but to a garage located at the Kaduwela.

 

During the Rajapaksa regime nobody could know why this luxury vehicle was not taken in to police custody. However following the incident many people have seen this vehicle driving by Rajapaksa sons closing the Galle road at night.

 

However it was purported that the Rajapaksa sons arrived to the car race by this luxury vehicle.

 

It is believed this luxury vehicle has been hidden in Kaduwela.

 

News reaching us confirms that this vehicle is now stealthily being hidden in a garage in the Kaduwela area.

 

Information reveals that the Rajapaksas is surreptitiously using the vehicles owned by them without registering and keeping under different people’s custody. The owner of this vehicle is identified as a company which imports reconditioned vehicles from the US, renovates and sell to the local market. The owner is supposed to be an Australian national and it was reported that this person has presented this luxury vehicle to the Rajapaksas in order to do his business without hindrance. News reaching us further confirms that this businessman have given a H2 type Hummer vehicle to the Rajapaksa family.

 

Another news surface that Rajapaksa who got this free Hummer vehicle has sold this to a close family doctor for Rs. 45 million.

 

This news was highlighted following the new government coming to power when a Nissan GTR type car was located from the Bokundara area.

 

It was believed that this car was used by the Rajapaksa sons during the car races.

 

 

Govt. workers waste 2 hrs daily on Facebook while on duty

Trade union survey reveals: 

By Dasun Edirisinghe-January 19, 2016, 7:05 am

More than 60 percent of state sector employees waste at least two hours a day on social media, especially Facebook, a recent survey has revealed.

The survey was carried out by the Government and Provincial Government Trade Union Federation during the last three months in 350 public sector organisations throughout the country. It had found that around 60 per cent of state workers visited social media sites via their mobile phones during working hours to the neglect of their duties, General Secretary of the GPGTUF Ajith K. Tillekaratne told The Island yesterday.

The findings of the survey carried out with the help of a group of trade union members had been conveyed to the President, Prime Minister, Minister of Public Administration and

Management and all secretaries to ministries, Tillekaratne said.

The study covered the employees of primary, secondary and staff grade in the public sector.

Minister of Public Administration and Management Ranjith Maddumabandara was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

Labour and Trade Union Relations Minister W. D.J. Seneviratne the time wasted by public officers on social media was a huge problem. In many other countries including South Korea the use of the Internet by public workers could be monitored during their working hours.

The minister said the government would take the findings into consideration and develop a mechanism to prevent public workers from wasting their working hours.