Sagala’s status has to be decided by Public Administration Secy: EC

Chairman of the Election Commission R. M. A. L. Rathnayake has said it is the responsibility of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Pradeep Yasarathna, to decide on President’s Chief of Staff (CoS) Sagala Ratnayake’s status.

 Rathnayake said so in response to The Island query whether the President’s CoS could campaign for the UNP leader, as the party’s National Organiser.

 Asked to explain the delay in responding to journalist Lasantha Ruhunage’s query, dated 23 March, regarding the former Public Security Minister’s current status, Rathnayake said that Ruhunage’s question had been referred to the Public Administration Secretary as the President’s CoS came under his purview.  Ruhunage has requested the Election Commission to inquire into former UNP MP Ratnayake’s role in President Wickremesinghe’s presidential election campaign.

 In a letter dated 23 March, 2024, addressed to EC Chairman Rathnayke, Ruhunage has pointed out that as the President’s CoS, Ratnayake cannot campaign in his current capacity as a public servant.

 Sagala Ratnayake addressed the inaugural UNP presidential polls rally held at Kuliyapitiya on 10 March. Referring to the relevant Constitutional provision, Ruhunage has questioned the EC whether a public servant who didn’t enjoy such political rights could also function as the National Organiser of the UNP.

 Ruhunage told The Island that the EC was yet to respond to his letter.

 In his letter to EC Chairman Ratnayake, Ruhunage has urged the Commission to also look into President Wickremesinghe’s declaration at the Kuliyapitiya meeting that benefits of Aswesuma social security scheme would be doubled.

 Ruhunage said that it would be the responsibility of the EC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties at the forthcoming national election. EC Chairman said that his office recently reminded the Public Administration Secretary of the issue raised by Ruhunage. (SF)