NHDA top officials responsible for recruiting staff; Sajith tells PCoI

Minister Sajith Premadasa told investigators today (Sept 23) that it is the duty of higher officials at the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) to recruit staff, and that he had not influenced such appointments.

He made this remarks before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing state sector corruption at which a complaint has been filed against the excessive staff recruited by the NHDA on his instructions.

Giving evidence, the Housing Minister pointed out that several housing and development-related projects have been taking place countrywide and that the Indian government too has assisted greatly by providing funding running into millions.

Accordingly, he said that the NHDA requires more manpower to carry out these projects.

The Minister claimed that he has been genuinely committed towards serving the people, and that he does not shirk his responsibility of fulfilling the duties entrusted upon him by the public.

Responding to the complaint, Mr. Premadasa said that he had not issued instructions to that effect and that he had merely advised on the minimum eligibility criteria to recruit employees.

However, the PCoI while appreciating the projects of the minister, emphasised that appointments to the Housing Authority must be made in accordance with the law and stressed that such appointments must not take place in future.

Previously, it had been revealed before the Commission that the NHDA had exceeded its quota of staff by 95 percent.