August 09, Colombo (LNW): Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayake has requested an explanation from Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government, and Provincial Councils Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne regarding a circular instructing all ministry secretaries to pay state pensioners an interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 starting in September. This action was taken despite the Election Commission’s directive to postpone the payment until October due to election law constraints.
In a letter sent on August 8, the Election Commission emphasized that issuing the payment during an election period sets a negative precedent. The Commission had previously informed the ministry secretaries during a meeting that such payments should be deferred. However, the ministry’s circular contradicted this directive.
The letter also highlights that this move by the Ministry Secretary undermines the authority of the Election Commission and sets a concerning precedent for government employees. According to Article 104b(4)(a) of the Sub-Constitution, the Election Commission holds the authority to prevent the use of government property for political purposes during election periods. Article (b) further obliges officials in charge of government properties to comply with these regulations.
