TISL raises alarm over violation of Election Laws by Palmyrah Development Board

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) regarding recent appointments made at the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna, which appear to contravene current election laws, the anti corruption watchdog said. 

On October 10, Selvin Ireneuss Mariampillai was appointed as Chairman of the PDB. Just 12 days later, on October 22, Mariampillai was replaced by Vinayagamoorthy Sahadevan. These swift changes in leadership, along with the addition of several new board members, were reportedly approved by the Cabinet Minister, despite existing restrictions set by the ECSL, TISL said in a statement. 

According to election laws and the ECSL’s official Gazette issued on September 25, all government institutions are prohibited from making new appointments, promotions, or transfers during the election period without prior approval from the Election Commission. The recent changes at the PDB raise serious concerns about compliance with these legal standards and call into question the governance practices upheld during this sensitive period.

" These appointments undermine public trust and could challenge the fairness of the electoral process,"  TISL said while urging the Election Commission to investigate these appointments and take prompt corrective action.

TISL further called on the Government to halt such appointments across public institutions until the conclusion of the General Election to avoid perceptions of political bias or undue influence over public bodies. Committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, TISL will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for adherence to ethical and legal guidelines within public institutions.