The National Election Commission has informed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration to initiate disciplinary action against Southern Local Government Commissioner Senaka Palliyaguru over his objection via a facebook statement claiming that a certain decision of the Commission is wrong.
Former Commissioner of the Kaduwela Urban Council Gamini Gunasekera had revealed via Facebook that the National Election Commission was constantly pressuring Local Government Commissioners.
Southern Local Government Commissioner Senaka Palliyaguru had expressed his personal opinion in this regard.
However, issuing a press release, former Governor Keerthi Tennakoon said senior officials have the authority to disregard instructions or advise issued unofficially by the National Election Commission to Government officials.
Tennakoon pointed out that minor or external pressure cannot be presented as a hindrance to freedom by Government officials.
The National Election Commission has notified the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration in this regard via a letter from the Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake.
In its letter, the National Election Commission points out that such statements are considered as obstacles preventing the conducting of the upcoming General Election.
Saman Sri Ratnayake further says this incident will be misconstrued by other Government officials and can have an adverse effect on Public Administration.
It is imperative to conduct an inquiry from Senaka Palliyaguru in this regard and the National Election Commission will also be duly notified, he added.
(Newswire)