President blames Southern and Central province governors

By Sandun A Jayasekera

President Maithripala Sirisena has warned Southern Province governor Keerthi Tennakoon and Central Province governor Maithri Gunaratne to abide by the SLFP’s constitution and guidelines after a large number of party supporters and officials complained on the conduct of the two governors at the SLFP Central Committee meeting last week.   

A senior member of the party told Daily Mirror that General Secretaries of the SLFP and UPFA, Dayasiri Jayasekara and Mahinda Amaraweera had told President Maithripala Sirisena at the CC meeting that they had received complaints on both governors from party supporters saying that Gunaratne and Tennakoon support the SLPP and ignore the SLFP.   
The two governors are allegedly on a job giving spree and recipients of jobs are chosen from among SLPP supporters. Even the party organizers of the Central and Southern Province have complained on this discrimination against SLFP supporters to party secretaries, he added.   

“After the complaints at the CC meeting, President Sirisena has immediately spoken to the two governors and told them that he had no option but to transfer them from their posts if they continue to ill treat the party,” the spokesman said.   “We would closely monitor the activities of the two governors and complain to the party chief, President Sirisena to take action against the two if they don’t stop the step motherly treatment on the SLFP, he said.   

In response to the allegations, Governor, Southern Province, Keerthi Tennakoon said the controversial appointments have been given under the previous administration of the southern province.   

“I am aware of the allegations, because of these appointments, the Southern Province has faced a severe financial constrains. 

Even the paying of salaries to employees has become a problem. Beside, allegations against me a only suggestions, They haven’t made in writing or with any evidence,” Mr. Tennakoon told 
.