Malwathu Anunayake Thera criticises politicians’ amnesia after making promises and coming to power
By S.K. Samaranayake Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera, Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, has criticised successive governments for forgetting pre-election promises after coming to power, saying this has become a tradition in Sri Lankan politics. He made these remarks on Monday (09) when a delegation of the Development Officers’ Trade Union Alliance visited him and outlined […]
<Anunayake Thera> condemned politicians' forgetfulness regarding their pre-election pledges when they assume power, stating that this practice has become commonplace in Sri Lankan politics. During a meeting on Monday, a delegation from the Development Officers' Trade Union Alliance presented their concerns, outlining the challenges faced by the officials.
The Thera commented that most governments make promises before taking office, but fail to deliver on them, often making outrageous claims like bringing down rice from the moon. He attributed this to the hasty establishment of the Development Officer cadre without a proper plan, driven by the university graduates' demand for employment.
The Thera emphasized the need for justice for Development Officers, who were stuck in the same grade regardless of their service duration and had no avenues for promotion. The Co-Convener of the State and Provincial Public Service Development Officers' Trade Union Alliance, Attorney Anuradha Seneviratne, reported that around 150,000 Development Officers faced an uncertain future.
The Alliance had been advocating for solutions to their grievances for nearly three decades, presenting demands to various governments. The current administration had repeatedly promised to address these issues upon assuming power, but it appears to be ignoring their concerns, Seneviratne accused. The primary issues include the absence of a service constitution, a formal scheme of work, promotions, and higher grades.
Retiring in the initial recruitment grade is a grave injustice, Seneviratne lamented. Some Development Officers who had fought for these demands before the present government's rise are now acting as if they are unaware of their predicament. On the 9th, Development Officers held a countrywide token strike, aiming to meet the President, Prime Minister, and relevant ministers to discuss their grievances.
If this fails, they are prepared to join other trade unions in launching stern trade union actions. Seneviratne also pointed out the government's intent to introduce new security laws, such as the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act and Organized Crime Prevention Act, to curb trade union activity and stifle freedom of expression.
The attorney urged for the immediate withdrawal of these laws, warning that without action, a massive public uprising would be imminent.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
