SLFI dispute goes to President

Decisions taken by the Board of Management of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) are allegedly being disregarded by the Chairman of the SLFI prompting board members to seek an appointment with President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Sunday Times learns that the board members have repeatedly complained about the failure to implement decisions collectively taken at the board meetings, but no follow-up action has been taken.

In one instance, a decision was taken by the board to fill a post of a director after interviews were held, but the chairman had decided to re-advertise the post without consulting the board, it is alleged.

In another instance, disregarding a board decision, two appointments were made by the chairman. The board members have also accused the chairman of changing the minutes of the Board of Management. The board members are planning to explain the situation to President Rajapaksa as the Institute comes under the President.

SLFI Chairman Bandula Wellala when contacted by The Sunday Times denied the allegations and said that it took time to make certain appointments. The SLFI’s mandate is to promote policy, research and training in the areas of democracy, human rights, good governance and trade union and labour relations.