Yala Warden harassed for uncovering exertion of political pressure

26 June 2016 09:34 pm - 36 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Warden of the Yala National Park Suranga Rathnayake remains harassed and an unbearable amount of pressure is levelled on him after he revealed to the media how political pressure was exerted on him and Wildlife Conservation Department (WLCD) Director General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, prompting the latter to resign, it is learnt.

Suranga Rathnayake told Daily Mirror that Sustainable Development and Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera urged him to apologise to Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa following an unpleasant incident that took place between the two of them at the Yala National Park.

He also claimed that the particular occurrence together with several other incidents related to 'political interference' prompted Dr. Pilapitiya to resign from his esteemed post.

Meanwhile, Minister Jayawickrama said he would investigate into what he called 'false' statements made by Suranga Rathnayake, as Mr. Suranga violated the Establishments' Code thus tarnishing the image of the government as well as the WLCD.

It is learnt that Mr. Suranga would be interdicted at the end of the said inquiry unless he requests for a transfer. However, Mr. Suranga has not yet appealed for a transfer while the inquiry is yet to commence. (Piyumi Fonseka)

http://www.dailymirror.lk/110716/Why-did-Wild-Life-Department-chief-resign-

http://www.dailymirror.lk/111017/Yala-Warden-s-Daily-Mirror-Interview-Ministry-to-hold-inquiry

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Comments - 36

rew Monday, 27 June 2016 05:04 PM

Time you needed a check up

Premalal Monday, 27 June 2016 02:12 PM

Totally agree, but you and I are also guilty for voting these people in. As for using their brains, when power gets into the head the brain cease to function.

Gusto Monday, 27 June 2016 02:52 PM

Suranga is MRs henchman trying to create problems for the government via DM Android App

roy Monday, 27 June 2016 03:17 PM

Thuggery flourishing under Yahapalanaya. via DM Android App

kk Monday, 27 June 2016 03:21 PM

Tyres, careful! via DM Android App

Nimal Monday, 27 June 2016 03:46 PM

of course MR saved the country didn't you know that? It was him that allow you and other ungrateful people to be alive, otherwise we all would have been in jail, killed or ruled by the so called peaceful tamils

Sharon Monday, 27 June 2016 03:47 PM

Tell me one political disappearance since 2009 May????

Rohan Monday, 27 June 2016 04:05 PM

Hope every other officer who has been harassed will come out and disclose political harassment.

Sanjee Monday, 27 June 2016 04:19 PM

Salute to you Sir, even though it's nearly impossible to challenge politicians in this country you had the guts to stand against them.

Shelly. Monday, 27 June 2016 01:07 PM

Min.J.perera is too old to fall in line with the aspirations of present generation.John amaratung also same. They must be sent on retirement. Advised Sajith to use his brain and be humble. via DM Android App

yakadaya Monday, 27 June 2016 05:05 PM

The sorry state of the Yahapalanaya. Pres Sirisena, PM Ranil we hope that you are watching. The same fate that befell MR and company would inevitably fall on you if this type of abuse continues unabatedly.

Henry Monday, 27 June 2016 05:18 PM

Guess Min. Sajith had forgotten his famous motto 'maha janayage Janawinggnaya handura ganeema

acs Monday, 27 June 2016 05:28 PM

@Nimal. If your saviour MR was in power this officer would be in bigger trouble. Have you forgotten how protesters were shot?

Lanka Monday, 27 June 2016 05:40 PM

The country will be better off with no politicians.

Alihora Monday, 27 June 2016 06:08 PM

Sharon go ask the inside stories from Mr. Mervyn and the lot.

hiran Monday, 27 June 2016 06:40 PM

hats off to another government official who wants to do what is right. Better still he is doing it for the welfare of animals who are voiceless via DM Android App

Sri Lankan Monday, 27 June 2016 07:11 PM

This country will never become a develop nation unless it remove the dirt from it's people's brains and make them open minded. Specially with the politicians who are disgusting, hatred, selfish primitives.

Kanal Monday, 27 June 2016 08:47 PM

If only we could find a better group of politicians

Missaka Monday, 27 June 2016 07:47 AM

Hats off to Mr Suranga, for exposing these moronic politicians who interfere unnecessarily in administrative matters.

keshan Sunday, 26 June 2016 11:47 PM

yahaalanaya!

brainmaster Monday, 27 June 2016 01:25 AM

This is indeed a very unfortunate incident. The wildlife minister should not interfer and exercise his power. Minister Sajith Premadasa who is involved in this affair from the beginning should bear his grudge and show greatness and help to find an amicable solution. If he is a genuine wildlife enthusiast ( as he says) he should recognize the value of such dedicated people like S.Rathnayaka and Dr.Pilapitiya. After all, we all want the same, wildlife protection ! Up to you, Hon Minister S.Pradasa, show Yajapalana !

ravi Monday, 27 June 2016 02:26 AM

High time people take to streets to protest against these political thugs. Glad news papers are publishing such articles!

gobbaya Monday, 27 June 2016 04:14 AM

yahapalanaya at its best..... via DM Android App

Citizen Sila Monday, 27 June 2016 06:03 AM

"MUMS" the word with yahapalanaya. What has the architects of Yahapalanaya got to say about this !

Emil van der Poorten Monday, 27 June 2016 06:40 AM

This government appears determined to emulate its predecessor in the matter of blatant political interference and there is, obviously, no place for the few honest and honourable public servants that survived the Rajapaksa regime or who returned to public service in the hope of decency prevailing!

Manushya Monday, 27 June 2016 06:50 AM

Yahapalanaya is only a dream. They all are same. Only the names are different

sacre blieu Monday, 27 June 2016 06:58 AM

Going by the reputation of Mr. Pilapitiya, the important point is why he tendered his resignation and his refusal to come out with the facts. Is it not obvious? A dedicated state official invariably finds himself made an object of ridicule followed by extreme humiliation due to political interference or meddling which most of times find it either traced to fraudulent contracts or artificial claims or status issue.

Bala Sunday, 26 June 2016 11:25 PM

I prefer to believe Suranga - never will I believe a politician.

Veda-mama Monday, 27 June 2016 07:53 AM

Don't be biased on these matters, Mr. Minuster. Investigate both sides of the story.

Dinesh Monday, 27 June 2016 08:15 AM

Pray for Suranga?Pray for Sri Lanka?Civil society must stand up and ensure these incidents are not taken lightly. I am sure the people will come up in support if the initiative is taken..

1110 Monday, 27 June 2016 08:18 AM

Thanks for the Change you made Yahapalanaya...and fools who voted .

Honest Monday, 27 June 2016 08:34 AM

This is yakapalanaya under the guise of yahapalanaya. People know that there is NO difference between the heinous rule of Mahinda Gota and Maithree Ranil. Even today no honest person is safe. via DM Android App

acs Monday, 27 June 2016 10:29 AM

And some bigger fools want MR to come back to "save the country."!!

TJ Monday, 27 June 2016 10:34 AM

Fortunate warden. He would have been picked up by a white van, had he chose to criticize a minister two years ago.

Sammy Monday, 27 June 2016 10:40 AM

It would have been ten times worse under "Chintanaya".

Premalal Monday, 27 June 2016 11:05 AM

It is time that the nation get behind these few good people. We are being dragged to the gutter by our corrupt politicians. The country does not suffer because bad people rule but because good people stay silent.

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Yala Warden harassed for uncovering exertion of political pressure

Comments - 36

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