News
Zoo director steps down temporarily; wants probe on alleged acts of sabotage by trade union activists
National Zoological Gardens Director General Shermila Rajapaksha has stepped down from her position temporarily and requested the Wildlife Ministry Secretary to create a conducive condition for her to return to work.
Ms Rajapaksha told the Sunday Times yesterday that she had informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that she was going on leave for 14 days allowing the Ministry Secretary to carry out an investigation into a range of allegations including acts of sabotage and to create a climate so that she could return to work. If not, she would quit.
She said that some trade union activists had changed the padlocks of some of the cages, posing a risk to visitors from escaping animals or reptiles. There were also acts of sabotage by interchanging the wires of the water motor in a manner that it could spark a fire.
Trade union activists have been demanding an increase of their risk allowance and the removal of the veterinary surgeons.
She said 11 trade union members were threatening 231 other staff members and had forced some of them to support their actions.
The trade union activists launched their protests after Ms Rajapaksha had taken disciplinary action including steps against persons on charges of fraudulently selling compost from the Dehiwala zoo.
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