Elections officials scan Laggala in search of Fisheries Ministry vehicles 3 vehicles and circuit bungalow misused, two other vehicles narrowly escapes Matale Election officials conducted an inspection tour in Laggla after they received information that around six vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Fisheries are being used for electioneering in the area. They inspected vehicle, 251-0527, belonging to the Ministry of Fisheries at the Irrigation Department’s Circuit Bungalow in Vilgamuwa. It was also revealed that this circuit bungalow was being used for campaigning. Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) had previously complained to the Commissioner of Elections that vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Fisheries were being misused for election campaigning in Matale District. However officials attached to the Ministry denied CaFFE’s allegations. The vehicle (251-0527 ) was driven by an individual named Rathnapala. He had arrived in Laggala three days ago with two other officials from NARA. However when Elections officials raided the Circuit Bungalow the lead field officer had disappeared. CaFFE observers had reported that this vehicle was being used for electioneering earlier in the day. The driver told Elections officials that they had arrived in the area for a three-day inspection tour to observe four tanks in the area to remove sediment. However CaFFE observed that they had brought mattresses, a gas cylinder, pillows, knives and other utilities with them, this is an indication that they had arrived to spend a significant amount of time in the area. A temporary labourer named, Sarath Weerawardane, had been attached to be in charge of the Circuit Bungalow from July 21, 2013. He was responsible for providing food for those who arrived at the bungalow. He said that other individuals arrive and stay in the bungalow, instead of those who make the bookings. Among those are candidates who contest for the Central Provincial Council. In addition state vehicles bearing the numbers PA 5262, PC 4035, PB 8393, 252-6565 are also being used for electioneering. CaFFE reiterates that public property has been massively misused in Matale District. These vehicles belong to the Ministries of Higher Education, Lands, Fisheries, Irrigation and Transport. The manner in which state property is subtly misused could be seen by how resources of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Circuit Bungalow of the Ministry of Irrigation are been used in Laggala, Ahmed Manas, National Organizer of CaFFE said. Photo caption – Photo number 1 shows the NARA vehicle (251-0527,) 2nd photo captures Elections Department officials conducting their investigation while the 3rd photo is of the Irrigation Department Circuit Bungalow. CaFFE Media Unit
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 15:51:48 +0000
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