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Cloud over drug control as chairmen clash
View(s):With investigations into multibillion-rupee heroin rackets being dragged on like many other probes, a new crisis has erupted in the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), which plays a key role in busting drug rackets..The newly appointed Chairman, retired DIG Sirisena Herath is to meet the President Maithripala Sirisena tomorrow to clarify the legitimacy of his appointment after the former Chairman refused to step down claiming that the Prime minister wanted him to stay on.
Former Chairman Dr. Nilanga Samarasinghe claimed that some main politicians were trying to remove him since he had collected details of their alleged links with drug barons and money launderers. Mr. Herath told the Sunday Times he was appointed to the post with effect from Thursday, but was facing difficulties in carrying out his duties as the previous chairman was not willing step down.
“I sent my application through the Prime Minister’s office and the appointment was approved by the President. I received my letter of appointment from the Presidential Secretariat. But the former chairman is not accepting that,” he said.
Mr. Herath assumed duties as the chairman of the NDDCB on Friday while the former chairman was in office. Law & Order and Prison Reforms Ministry Secretary Jagath Wijeweera, Senior Assistant Secretary Donald Murage, and other senior officials took part in the ceremony to welcome the new head.
Dr Samarasingha, however, claimed he had not been removed from office and claimed that the Prime Minister had wanted him to remain in the position. He said he had received a fax message from the Law & Order Ministery Secretary, informing him that he was removed from the chairman’s post and a new chairman had been appointed.
Dr. Samarasingha claimed that according to the NDCCB regulations, the Ministry Secretary could not appoint a chairman but the minister could do so. He claimed the fax was forged.