Two GA's in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 06 September 2000, 13:34 GMT]
Two Government Agents are now functioning in the Trincomalee district secretariat. One is Mr.N.P.K.Nelundeniya who assumed duties as the Government Agent of Trincomalee with effect last August 15. The other is Mr.S.D.Chandradasa who was the Government Agent in Trincomalee for over six years till last August 15.

Mr.Nelundeniya succeeded Mr.Chandradasa when he was transferred out of Trincomalee.

Mr.Chandradasa filed a fundamental rights violation case in the Supreme Court against his transfer-order alleging political victimization.

Last Friday the Supreme Court made order staying the transfer of Mr.Chandradasa until his case is determined.

Now Mr.Chandradasa is occupying a room in the Trincomalee district secretariat giving orders to his subordinates. Mr.Nelundeniya is occupying the room reserved for the Government Agent and issuing instructions to his subordinates. Both are signing payment vouchers. Both are meeting the public. Both are taking decisions in administrative matters on their own without reaching a consensus.

A group of about 35 high officials attached to Trincomalee District Secretariat sent an urgent written appeal to the Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry in Colombo on Wednesday, asking him to name one person as the Government Agent.

"Who is the Government Agent for Trincomalee district? Please inform us as early as possible to avoid confusion and confrontation in the Trincomalee district secretariat," officials have asked in their appeal.