TISL raises concern over violation of election laws through new appointments

Colombo ,November 1 (Daily Mirror) -Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) regarding the recent appointments made at the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna, which appear to contravene current election laws.

“On October 10, Selvin Ireneuss Mariampillai was appointed as Chairman of the PDB. Just 12 days later, on October 22, Mariampillai was replaced by Vinayagamoorthy Sahadevan. These swift changes in leadership, along with the addition of several new board members, were reportedly approved by the Cabinet Minister, despite existing restrictions set by the ECSL,” a TISL statement said.

According to election laws and the ECSL’s official Gazette issued on September 25, all government institutions are prohibited from making new appointments, promotions or transfers during an election period, without prior approval from the Election Commission.

The TISL said the recent changes at the PDB raise serious concerns about compliance with these legal standards and call into question the governance practices upheld during this sensitive period.

The TISL observed that these appointments undermine public trust and could challenge the fairness of the electoral process. 

TISL urged the Election Commission to investigate into these appointments and take prompt corrective action.
The TISL is requesting the Government to halt such appointments across public institutions until the conclusion of the General Elections to avoid perceptions of political bias or undue influence over public bodies.