Coroners want arrears, increments, duty free vehicles

11 December 2011 11:53 pm Views - 8954

The Coroners’ Association of Sri Lanka yesterday charged that their allowances had not been paid since January this year while some had not received it since August last year.

Coroners’ Association President S. K. Mapalagama claimed the delay was due to the Finance Ministry’s failure to disburse funds needed for the payment of allowances.

This has been confirmed by a letter written to the Treasury by the accountant of the justice ministry. According to this letter only Rs.15 million has been disbursed by the Treasury last year though Rs.35 million was allocated for the purpose.

They are also demanding an increment of Rs.1,500 so that their allowance would be Rs.2,000 compared to the present Rs.500. In addition they have also requested for a duty free vehicle permit. The coroners are of the view that a decent vehicle was essential for them to carry out their work as they have to be ready for a call at any time of the day. Besides that they have also requested that their age of retirement be extended to 75.

Mr. Mapalagama said they were yet to receive a positive response to their demands. However he ruled out any trade union action as the people would be inconvenienced by such a move.  “We are not resorting to strike action on humanitarian grounds,” he said

Meanwhile UNP MPs Lakshman Kiriella and Sajith Premadasa raised this issue during the budget debate last week and requested the government to look into the matter. Mr. Kiriella questioned as to how the government could ensure justice to people when it had failed pay the coroners. Mr. Premadasa also stressed the need for quick action.

However the government assured that the matter would be looked into. (Yohan Perera)