The authorities are planning to extend the tenancy contracts for the operators of some 150 trade stalls at the Dambulla Economic Centre ignoring standard procedures such as tenders, etc and in full contravention of the elections laws, sources in the market said.
The stalls are to be handed over tomorrow to the present tenants despite the fact the previous tenancy contracts had already expired on April 01 this year but the incumbents refused to budge, the source said.
A circular issued by the Election Commissioner’s office clearly states that such transactions are outlawed during an election year, but the regional authorities in Dambulla think other wise.
The Government Agent for Matale, Mr. Gamini Senivaratne said that such a transaction was outside the stated election laws, but added that no final decision has yet been taken in this regard.
“There will be a meeting tomorrow involving the regional authorities, representatives from the ministry and traders. A decision to this effect will be taken only after that”, Mr. Senivaratne said.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Lalith. R. De Silva said he was not aware of the present developments at the Dambulla Centre adding that he would look into the matter.
ST
The stalls are to be handed over tomorrow to the present tenants despite the fact the previous tenancy contracts had already expired on April 01 this year but the incumbents refused to budge, the source said.
A circular issued by the Election Commissioner’s office clearly states that such transactions are outlawed during an election year, but the regional authorities in Dambulla think other wise.
The Government Agent for Matale, Mr. Gamini Senivaratne said that such a transaction was outside the stated election laws, but added that no final decision has yet been taken in this regard.
“There will be a meeting tomorrow involving the regional authorities, representatives from the ministry and traders. A decision to this effect will be taken only after that”, Mr. Senivaratne said.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Lalith. R. De Silva said he was not aware of the present developments at the Dambulla Centre adding that he would look into the matter.
ST
