All Customs Services Union Calls On EC To Halt Election Violations

By Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake has been asked by trade unions affiliated to the Sri Lanka Customs Department to take action against politicians who use their political powers and State resources to organize propaganda meetings during elections.

The request was made in writing to  Dissanayake by the All Ceylon Customs Services Union following a call for all Customs officers to attend a meeting with the President at Temple Trees.

Sri Lanka Customs Department officers were requested to attend a meeting with President and Finance and Planning Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on Saturday (12) at 8 p.m.

The meeting with the Customs officers is one among many meetings organized at Temple Trees for the President to address public sector employees on a personal level.

Deputy Customs Directors (Supplies), A.M. Asanga Dayaratne in a letter issued on a Sri Lanka Customs Department letterhead on December 8 had informed all Customs Directors and Deputy Directors about the meeting and had requested the presence of all Customs officers at the meeting as the President wished to address them.

The letter stated that transport would be provided to officers to and from the Customs Department.

Secretary, All Ceylon Customs Services Union, J.A. Gunathileka in the letter to Dissanayake referring to the circular issued by him stating public officials could not participate in any election related activity apart from casting their votes, has claimed that the meeting with the Customs officers at Temple Trees has been organized in violation of all election related laws.

Gunathileka has called on the Elections Commissioner to take action against politicians who misuse their powers and abuse State resources for election campaigning.