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Controversy over Tangalle UC staff leave approval
By Indika Sri Aravinda
Colombo, Sept. 8 (Daily Mirror) - A controversy has arisen after a large number of Tangalle Urban Council staff members were granted leave on a weekday to attend an excursion, raising questions about the approval process at a state institution.
Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor A.E.N.E. Abhayaratne, said that as far as he was aware, the leave approval authority of the Urban Council was its Secretary, P.W.K. Rupasena, who died in the recent Ella–Wellawaya bus accident.
The excursion had reportedly been organised to mark the transfer of a group of Urban Council employees.
However, the Minister noted that allowing so many staff members to take leave simultaneously created a problematic situation, an issue that has come to light only after the tragic accident.
Professor Abhayaratne further announced that, in addition to the Rs. 1 million grant from the President's Fund to the families of the deceased staff, the Ministry of Transport will provide an additional Rs. 100,000 in compensation.
A Council spokesperson confirmed that 22 of the 47 approved staff members participated in the excursion, while another group, although granted leave, chose not to join.
Tangalle Urban Council Chairman, P.P.G. Nandasiri, said that the late Secretary held the authority to approve such leave and that personal and medical leave had also been included in the approvals. He added that discussions are underway between the Council and the local business community to provide additional compensation to the injured and to families of staff members receiving treatment in hospital, including those in intensive care.
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