RDA whistle blower complains to Polls Chief over transfers

The Elections Commissioner has received complaints that the Road Development Authority (RDA) is conducting transfers in the pre-election period, in violation of his instructions.

In a letter to the Commissioner, copied to the media, the complainant states that the RDA’s present management has appointed officers to new posts, called for applications to new posts, and transferred directors and deputy directors, project and deputy project directors, as well as directors of project management units, after Parliament was dissolved on June 26.

He alleges that most of the letters were backdated and hence, violated Mr Deshapriya’s circular dated June 29, 2015. He claims that the new appointments and transfers have “focused on gaining political benefits to a certain political party”.

“None of these changes were politically motivated or election related,” countered RDA Director General, Nimal Chandrasiri. “They were carried out for day- to-day administrative reasons. They do not give any advantage or disadvantage to any party.”

He said he was in receipt of three circulars issued by the Elections Commissioner, including one which said “transfers and appointments were permitted so long as they were for administrative and other (such as medical or emergency) purposes and not for political reasons.”

“He has also said to keep him informed of any changes,” said Mr Chandrasiri, adding, “I have just written to him with the details.

However, the complainant has requested the Elections Commissioner “to intervene and cancel these illegal transfers and re-establish the officers, who have been transferred to new places, at their previous posts, cancel new appointments and withdraw the call for applications for new posts, initiated after the government [sic] was dissolved and elections declared, as it will definitely benefit a political party”.