35 vehicles not for Wimal’s personal use; Chairman

12 July 2012 10:45 am

Chairman of the State Engineering Corporation Jagath Perera while refuting allegations made by Trade Unions against Minister Wimal Weerawansa, said that the allegations were completely false.

“ The statement made by the Chairman of the National Construction Trade Union Thushara Gunasekara to the effect that Minister Wimal Weerawansa has 35 vehicles for his personal use is false and has been made with complete malicious intent” he said.

The Chairman went on to state that the Corporation has over 35 vehicles on lease which have been used entirely for outstation projects of the corporation.

“Over 35 vehicles are taken by the Corporation on lease and these are entirely used to facilitate projects that are undertaken in the outstations. Therefore this allegation has no basis and is an attempt to politically sling mud at the Minister” Fernando said.

Speaking on Trade Union claims that the Minister has appointed his political allies to bogus positions and are paid salaries without even reporting to work, the Chairman stated that there is not truth in this allegation.

“There has been no irregularity in recruiting employees to the Corporation, this allegation completely misrepresents the true facts. Many people are contracted for employment as and when the need arises and the only aim of these recruitments are to efficiently complete the project” he said.

The Chairman also pointed out that the corporation netted the highest turnover during the last year, in its entire history, and that the corporation has been acclaimed internationally for its proper administration and efficiency.

Fernando also said that the corporation has no authority to increase salaries of its employees and that is the prerogative of the salaries commission and the treasury for which discussions are currently ongoing. Therefore the Chariman stated that the protest was organized with complete malicious intent. ( Hafeel Farisz)