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The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has called on the Government to immediately halt all arbitrary transfers being carried out at both central and provincial government services.
According to a statement issued by SJB General Secretary and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, there appears to be a systematic plan to transfer state officials across numerous sectors based on irrational and unacceptable grounds. This has reportedly affected positions such as Assistant Commissioners of Local Government, Secretaries of Local Government institutions, and Co-operative Assistant Development Commissioners, among others.
The statement highlighted that these arbitrary actions contradict the Government’s promise to uphold the independence of the public service. It also noted that the timing of these transfers coincides with the ongoing cooperative elections.
and the upcoming Local Government elections, indicating an alarming level of politicization within the public service aimed at influencing electoral outcomes. SJB emphasised that such politically motivated transfers not only disrupt essential services in the affected sectors but also create significant personal challenges for the officials involved.
To address the issue, the SJB announced the establishment of a special unit to investigate these incidents and invited the public to submit information, either anonymously or with attribution.
While the opposition acknowledged that transfers within the public service are necessary, it stressed that they must adhere to clear, transparent guidelines. SJB urged the Government and provincial authorities to suspend all arbitrary transfers immediately, reaffirming its commitment to monitoring and taking action against such practices.
Rakshana Shriyanta
