Homagama sanitary labourers PS Chairman denies reports that no uniforms were given

By Priyantha Jayalath  

Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sampath Chaminda Jayasinghe recently denied allegations that there were no uniforms provided to sanitary labourers of the Pradeshiya sabha.   
At the monthly general meeting of Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha, JVP member Ranwalage Aruna Ranwala said the sanitary labourers were working in torn clothes as they had not received new uniforms in two years.  

“The reputation of this council depends on the sanitary labour force. These days, sanitary labourers are working in torn clothes. This is a disgrace to the whole council. Therefore I propose that these sanitary labourers should be given new uniforms at least twice a year,” he said.   

Responding to the allegations, PS Chairman Chaminda Jayasinghe said they were false.   

“The allegation that new uniforms haven’t been distributed in two years is utterly false. Fabric has been provided for three uniforms in 2018. Moreover, an allowance of Rs. 1, 800 was given for the cost of sewing. But these officers have not sewn their uniforms. Therefore this year readymade uniforms were distributed. These labourers prefer to work without shoes. Therefore this year we emphasized that wearing the uniform is mandatory during working hours. Sanitary labourers are the heart of this council. 

They are carrying out a great service. We hope to distribute four uniforms for these workers next year,” he said.  

Meanwhile, SLPP member Nihal Ranjith Hewawasam said with the involvement of the chairman, they have distributed complete uniforms to all workers.   “No other government institution provides uniforms to workers twice a year. Uniforms are provided only once a year. We have provided uniforms not only to sanitary labourers but to road maintenance officers and electricity maintenance officers as well. We appreciate the work done by the chairman in distributing these uniforms,” he said.   SLPP member Kalum Priyankara said the council owed its place to these sanitary labourers. “After we came to power as the first budget was being prepared, the chairman said complete uniforms should be distributed among health officers. Accordingly, a few days back, we distributed shoes, caps and the complete uniforms to health officers. 

Moreover, we came first in the garbage collecting programme among other councils who dispose garbage at Karadiyana garbage dump. Our chairman appreciated the work done by our sanitary labourers in this effort,” Mr. Priyankara said.     

• The allegation that new uniforms haven’t been distributed in two years is utterly false. Fabric has been provided for three uniforms in 2018. Moreover, an allowance of Rs. 1, 800 was given for the cost of sewing
• The reputation of this council depends on the sanitary labour force. These days, sanitary labourers are working in torn clothes. This is a disgrace to the whole council. Therefore I propose that these sanitary labourers should be given new uniforms at least twice a year