Only PSC can issue orders on PC Chief Secretary

The Supreme Court today ruled that only the National Public Service Commission (PSC) can issue circulars on the Provincial Council Chief Secretary, who is an officer under the National PSC.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Mohan Peiris and Justices K. Sri Pawan and RohiniMarasinghe made this observation on the fundamental rights petition filed by Northern Province Chief Secretary Vijayalakshmi Ramesh challenging a circular issued by the Northern Chief Minister C. V. Wigneswaran. In her petition she allegedChief Minister’s interference with her employment and his bid to remove her from office by a circular issued.

The SC observed that the National PSC can issue circulars on officers who are attached to it while the Provincial PSC can issue circulars to officers attached to the Provincial Public Service Commission. SC said Ms. Ramesh came under the National PSC.

The SC also stated that for the effective functioning of the Province all parties concerned must act in a spirit harmony. (Susitha R. Fernando)