Large scale misuse of state property; Unions to meet elections commissioner

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Trade unions of several state public sector institutions will meet the elections commissioner this week to substantiate evidence of misuse of state property in the election campaign. Chief Secretary of the all Ceylon General Port Employees Union, Chandrasiri Mahagamage told LAKBIMAnEWS that trade unions from the Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB,) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and several other institutions will provide documents to prove the misuse of the property.
“The government has misused resources of various state institutions and right now many of these institutions are facing serious financial issues because of these unwanted expenses. Resources of institutes such as SLTB, CPC and the ports authority have been used not only for the present election but also for all the provincial council elections. Hundreds of employees and vehicles have been misused and we have been collecting evidence so that we can prove that malpractice has taken place,” he said. “We have spoken to the elections commissioner and asked for an appointment with him .”
Meanwhile, employees of the ports authority have been asked to assist at the UPFA election rally to be held in Ruwanwella today. Ports authority sources claim that dozens of employees were constructing the stage for the rally yesterday. “These employees have been recorded as having reported for duty ,” he said.
“Vehicles bearing Reg. Nos. 41-3995, 40-0644, QJ2312 and PD1779 of the ports authority are also being used for the rally.”