Despite the senior administrative officials of the state being banned from participating in political events in public , the Secretary of Urban Development and Defence Ministry , Gotabaya Rajapaksa has violated the particular law by participating in the inaugural ceremony of United People’s Freedom Allaince Colombo district leader Udaya Gammanpila’s re-election campaign.
The event has taken place at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on February 13th where he launched his election manifesto by official commencing his election campaign.
The Chairman of Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Dr. Ranjith Bandara and Attorneys-at-laws Manohara de Silva and Jagath Gunawaradane also participated in the event.
When the Election Commissioner Mahinda Dehspariya was questioned if Secretary of a Ministry who is a senior administrative official of the state can participate in an election campaign, who said that is not allowed.
Commenting on the matter Udaya Gammanpila stated that Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa participated not only in this campaign but for the previous election campaign as well and since the post of Defence Secretary is not an administrative position but a political one he does not face any limitation in participating in political activities.
The attempt made to contact Gotabaya Rajapaksa to inquire about the matter failed.
The election commissioner had received another complaint against Gotabaya Rajapaksa during a previous election for participating in election campaigns.
However, the election commissioner could not take an action regarding the complaint.
Udaya Gammanpila had stated that he would lead his election campaign without violating election laws.
(Ravaya- Lasantha Ruhunage)
SLM