News
Sacked zoo head changes course after much controversy
Shermila Rajapaksha
The ex-National Zoological Gardens Chief who had resisted pressure to step down but was eventually removed, says she will become an animal rights activist.
Shermila Rajapaksha, who had generated controversy since her appointment, was replaced by Dr Thilak Premakantha, a deputy director of the Forestry Department.
“They implied that I could work as the director general as long as I did not take actions against the corrupt officials. As I did not do as they said and refused to resign, they have appointed a person from the forest department.” Ms Rajapaksha said.
She added that she would not be resigning, but that her removal be effected through the cabinet.
She claimed that she told the Wildlife Ministry secretary that if they are protecting the unionist who created problems as well as individuals accused of serious charges according to an internal report, to appoint someone through the cabinet accepting the fact that corrupt officials are being protected.
Ms Rajapaksha said she would not challenge the cabinet decision, as there is no point struggling when the authorities support corrupt officials.
Dr Premakantha
She said she acted against the corrupt and has investigation reports.
According to her, one of the unionists is accused of six serious charges, but is still working at the zoo, while she was asked to stay away from work until an internal investigation continued.
She said she suffered discrimination and faced difficulties when she tried to take action against the corrupt and establish a clean administration.
Ms Rajapaksha said the new appointee should also act against corruption.
She revealed that she is planning to set up an organisation to help women who face discrimination, and an animal welfare organisation.
Ms Rajapaksha temporarily withdrew from her duties on January 20 for two weeks following a dispute between sections of trade unions. This allowed for an inquiry by the ministry secretary.
Afterwards, the Wildlife Ministry, too, instructed her to not return to office until investigations are complete.
She claimed that there were no allegations against her in the investigation report and called on the minister to make it public. She said she had called for an investigation of corrupt officials but was removed instead.
Last week, veterinarians called for a strike following an attack on a veterinarian by zoo employees of the Hambantota safari park. Ms Rajapaksha was visiting the park at the time.
It was reported that a group of employees shouted at Ms Rajapaksha and that had triggered a fight between two factions.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna-affiliated National Zoological Department’s employees union, Krishantha Christopher, was pleased that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Wildlife Minister C.B Ratnayake and Ministry Secretary Somaratne Vidhanapathirana had removed Ms Rajapaksha.
He claimed that Ms Rajapaksha was carrying out media propaganda and was defaming the zoological gardens by accusing employees of corruption.
He said that workers had been misunderstood and their demands were viewed by Ms Rajapaksha as personal.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, said that he had sent the independent internal investigation report on the zoo, to the cabinet. He added that the decision was taken based on the report.
The incident at the Ridiyagama Safari Park escalated when Ms Rajapaksha, who had been instructed not to report to work, visited the park.
“During that incident two factions of employees had fought and two people were injured. I have appointed a ministry official to carry out an internal inquiry.’’
A police inquiry is also taking place.
The Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, C.B Ratnayake told the Sunday Times, that Ms Rajapaksha was removed because the National Zoological Gardens cannot operate smoothly when there are issues between the head of the department and the ministry.
He said that the cabinet had already appointed the deputy director of the Forestry Department, Dr Premakantha to lead the Zoological Gardens.
He said, however, the investigations on strike actions as well as incidents at Ridiyagama Safari Park would be carried out despite the new appointment.
He also denied making a discriminatory comment about Ms Rajapaksha, and said that he would take legal action against all media organizations which published the claim. Meanwhile, the office of the zoo director, which had been sealed a few weeks back, was opened and cleaned up last week to welcome the new head.
Dr Premakantha, declined comment saying that the minister had instructed him to not speak to the media.
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