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End of the show for NFC chairman; new man in from tomorrow
View(s):National Film Corporation (NFC) Chairman Ashoka Serasinghe has been removed from his post following a string of complaints to President Mahinda Rajapaksa by artistes and trade unions who accused him of corruption, misuse of powers and favouritism.
Ashoka Serasinghe
Mass Media and Information Ministry secretary Dr. Charitha Herath told the Sunday Times that Mr. Serasinghe has been made ‘advisor’ at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs with immediate effect.
He said that Jayantha Dharamadasa, who is closely associated with artistes and the film industry has been named as the new chairman. Mr. Dharmadasa is due to assume duties tomorrow.
The Sunday Times learns that film artistes who met with President Rajapaksa last week at the Temple Trees had complained about the Chairman and said they were unable to carry out their work as there was little support from Mr Serasinghe.
Trade unions too had complained that a female officer was misusing her powers with the blessings of the chairman of the corporation and their complaints against her were ignored.
Actor Ranjan Ramanayake told the Sunday Times that Mr Serasinghe who was appointed at the request of pro-government artistes has now been removed at their own request.
“He was taking revenge from artistes and was helping only a favoured few.” He claimed that he was appointed by the President and nobody could remove him,” Mr. Ramanayake said.
NFC Workers Union general secretary Nilantha Prasad said Mr Serasinghe was responsible for slashing the allowances of many workers and granting various illegal appointments.
Mr. Dharmadasa said he hopes to look into the requests of the film artistes and raise the standards of the NFC.
Mr Serasinghe was not available for comment despite several attempts to call his mobile phone.