The Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Municipal Commissioner, Colombo, V.K. Anura over his post, will be taken up by the Supreme Court tomorrow.
In the wake of the ongoing dispute over the appointment of the Municipal Commissioner (MC), hundreds of files related to tenders and other administration work had piled up at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC)the Sunday Observer reliably learns.
The Ministry of Public Administration instructed former MC, V.K. Anura in writing, to take office as an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution from May 28, releasing him from his then portfolio.
On the same day, Governor Western Province Azath Sally appointed Deputy Commissioner (Engineering Services) CMC, Lalith Wickramaratne as the Acting MC under provisions vested upon him by Article 32 (1) of the Provincial Council Act.
However, the former MC refused to give up his portfolio and filed a Fundamental Rights case against the appointment made by Governor Sally.
Last week, Acting MC Wickramaratne also made a police complaint, in a bid to occupy the office of MC, which is still occupied by the former MC.
“ Now, we see a clear divide between CMC workers. They bring documents and files to both officers. Files brought to Mr. Anura have piled up as he has no power to sign them.There are tenders, workers’ leave applications and foreign tour approvals,” a senior officer at the CMC told the Sunday Observer on the basis of anonymity. However former MC, V.K. Anura rejected the allegations saying that no such files had piled up.
Last month, the MC brought a motion supporting the former MC, stating that the Acting MC is not a member of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service.
“I have not met any CMC officials yet over this matter,” newly appointed Governor, Western Province, A.J.M. Muzammil told the Sunday Observer yesterday. “I am still studying the issue. I must speak to the Secretary, Local Government first,” he said.