April 29, Colombo (LNW): Serious concerns have been raised after it emerged that numerous employees of the Education Department, who are standing as candidates in the upcoming Local Government elections, have unlawfully received their April salaries.
According to the Ceylon Teachers Union, this act contravenes both the election law and the country’s Establishment Code.
Speaking to reporters in Anuradhapura, Priyantha Fernando, President of the Ceylon Teachers Union, revealed that over 400 individuals attached to the Education Department – including principals, teachers, teacher advisors, and members of the non-academic staff – are contesting the forthcoming elections.
He highlighted that, as per legal provisions, any officer of staff grade contesting elections must formally resign, while all other employees are required to obtain no-pay leave during their candidacy.
Alarmingly, Fernando disclosed that an estimated 90 per cent of these candidates have flouted this mandatory procedure.
Drawing attention to the situation in the North Central Province, he noted that of the 48 teachers contesting there, only six have properly applied for no-pay leave, while the majority continue to draw their monthly salaries in breach of regulations.
He further stressed that this represents not just a technical infraction but a serious violation of public trust and accountability.
Meanwhile, Anuradhapura District Secretary and Returning Officer Ranjith Wimalasuriya confirmed the irregularity, warning that candidates who fail to comply with these legal obligations risk having their nominations cancelled.
He added that any individuals who have wrongfully drawn salaries must return the funds immediately in order to avoid facing disciplinary measures.
