Confusion over Trincomalee Government Agent

[TamilNet, Sunday, 03 September 2000, 05:03 GMT]
The Supreme Court on Friday directed that Mr.S.D Chandradasa be allowed to function as the Government Agent (GA) of Trincomalee district with immediate effect until a fundamental rights violation case filed by him is determined. This leaves the position of the current GA, Mr.Nelumdeniya, in confusion.

The Public Administration Ministry ordered the immediate transfer of Mr.Chandradasa from Trincomalee to Colombo with effect from August 15, 2000. In response, Mr. Chandradasa, who served as the Trincomalee GA for over six years, filed a fundamental rights violation case in the Supreme Court alleging political victimization. The decreed on Friday that Mr.Chandradasa be allowed to continue as GA, Trincomalee until his case is heard.

Following this Supreme Court direction, Mr.N.P.K.Nelumdeniya who succeeded Mr.Chandradasa as GA with effect from 15 August, refused to accept nomination papers submitted by political parties and independent groups to contest the Trincomalee electoral district at the forthcoming general election.

On instructions issued by the Commissioner of Elections, Mr.Sundaram Arumainayagam accepted nomination papers from political parties and independent group on Saturday.

Furthermore Mr.Nelumdeniya declined to occupy the GA's office in the Trincomalee District Secretariat. He discharged his duties occupying another room in the District Secretariat.

Mr.Nelumdeniya said that he would abide by any instruction issued by the Public Administration Ministry.