Election monitor demands Public Administration Ministry Secretary‘s resignation

by PRIYAN DE SILVA

The Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies Manjula Gajanayake said that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Neil Bandara Hapuhinna should resign from his post immediately.

Gajanayake said Hapuhinna in his capacity as Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government had by letter dated 10th January 2023 instructed all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting deposits from political parties and independent groups who intended to contest the forthcoming local government elections.

Gajanayake said that Hapuhinna was aware that the his letter contravened Section G and GG of Article 104 of chapter XIV A of the Constitution as well as section 76 A and section 5-1 5-2 of Article 262 of the Local Authorities Election Ordinance.

Gajanayake reiterated that if Hapuhinna did not step down, the Public Service Commission should interdict him immediately and initiate an independent inquiry against him.

As a warning to other public servants who willfully undermine the democratic process and contravene the constitution of Sri Lanka, Gajanayake requested the Election Commission to take action against Hapuhinna.