Dayasiri Jayasekara justifies Rupavahini being under MOD

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation was brought under the purview of the Ministry of Defence with immediate effect from last night (September 09). Dayasiri Jayasekera, SLFP General Secretary shared his view regarding this take over with the media today (September 10). He noted that it was disappointing to acknowledge that Minister Ruwan Wijewardena was not aware of the process as the Minister. He added that although it was said Rs 40mn was given, the Treasury had not released a cent. He further added that in order to appoint individuals for the state institutions it was mandatory to seek approval from the President's Committee and that was how Inoka Sathyangani was appointed as the chairperson of the SLRC. Consequently, Minister Ruwan Wijewardena recommended a businessman who sold generators named Sanjeewa Wijegunawardena for the post of the SLRC Chairperson which was rejected by the President's Committee. A letter was addressed to the secretary, Sunil Samaraweera of the ministry and Inoka Sathyangani continued to carry out her duties as the SLRC Chairperson. Subsequently, another letter was sent to appoint Kelum Palitha Mahiratne as the Chairperson of SLRC without approval from that committee and this scenario led to a series of issues. He added that apart from that, even members of Pradeshiya Sabha's were appointed to the Board of Directors which clearly led to tension among the staff. He finally added that considering all these factors the President decided to take over SLRC through an extrodinary gazette for a smoother management.