Minister Claims Office Sealing Caused by Internal Feud

Senior Minister, Athauda Seneviratne, expressed his anger over the sealing of his district office in Kegalle, saying the anonymous complaint had been made against him by individuals who harboured personal grudges.
Seneviratne said that he has been using the office for ten years, and it was now being used by his son who is contesting the upcoming Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council election. Seneviratne further added that the complaint had been made by a member of his own party, and he was now trying to find out the identity of the person.
He said the office only consisted two computers and a few posters for his son’s election campaign, and that he had given over the use of his office to his son as it was not being used.
Seneviratne said that he was holding discussions with Mahinda Deshapriya, Elections Commissioner, to reopen the office.
Athauda’s office was raided and sealed on Wednesday after the Elections Commissioner was tipped off about the office being allegedly used by his son for an election propaganda campaign. The commissioner, who was accompanied by police, seized placards, posters and small calendars.