Principals, teachers of 3 State-run schools involved in polls campaigns: CTSU

Principals and teachers in 3 State- run schools are being used for election campaigns, said Ceylon Teachers Services Union ( CTSU) General Secretary Mahinda Jayasinghe.

His claim is despite Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya’s circular clearly stating no government servant can obtain duty leave to engage in election activities or work for or against a candidate during office hours. The Commissioner also said he was consulting the police chief and Attorney General to assign teams to apprehend any violators and prosecute them.

Mr Jayasinghe said that, despite these guidelines, the offence keeps recurring around the country, especially in Gampaha and Kegalle areas.

“In Gampaha, State- run school teachers and principals in Katana and Mahara are being used for election campaigns, while in Kegalle we received information that these government servants are taking part in election campaigns,” Mr. Jayasinghe said.

He said they have informed the Elections Commissioner in a handwritten statement about the offences and offenders. He vowed to continue reporting such incidents in future, to ensure a fair election.

Meanwhile the CTSU General Secretary added that the Education Cooperative Society (ECS) is flawed too.

“They have appointed an illegal Interim Board to the ECS and one of the Directors of the Board was found using State vehicles for election work,” he said. Under the guidelines of the Elections Commissioner, no State vehicles can be used for propaganda work.

Mr Jayasinghe also said that the ‘ Balance Sheet’ given to ECS members was handed over indicating a name of a candidate and to vote for him.

“This sheet is being given several months before it should be. Normally, it is given at the beginning of every year, while now it is only the mid of the year. This is illegal,” he claimed, adding that the Commissioner of Elections was also informed about this.