High flying Avant Garde security off the hook
View(s):The Government on Tuesday cleared the private security firm Avant Garde of any wrongdoing in setting up the company and recruitment procedures but industry sources say the authorities failed to probe the issue of why this company was selected without a transparent tender being called to take over a sea armoury which was earlier handled by the Navy.
Meanwhile officials at Avant Garde had earlier said that it was bringing valuable foreign exchange to the country in addition to providing high salaries to local staff in all categories. However the Business Times stumbled on an advertisement placed in a website by the company advertising the post of “Personal Assistant to the Company Chairman” for foreign applicants.
The advertisement appeared in April 2012 and said the company was seeking a PA with PR and promotional experience which however is not compulsory “as full training will be given to work with the Chairman of the Avant Garde Group of Companies based in Colombo, Sri Lanka”.
The company said the take home pay was US$3,500 to $4,000 per month with a fully furnished apartment including all bills paid by the company, a company vehicle with driver.
“Regular flights home to the country of residence will also be covered by the company,” the notice said, adding that interviews would be conducted in Colombo and all flights, accommodation and food whilst in Colombo will be covered.
The position ‘would best suit an age group of 21-32 years of age but not compulsory’, the notice said.
Avant Garde said the position would best suit a female but not compulsory and they must be willing to travel abroad with the Chairman and also independently if so required.