Sajith recruits workers to Housing Development Authority

The National Housing Development Authority which is under the Ministry of Sajith Premadasa has recruited 2,300 employees exceeding then approved cadre, said former Administrative Officer of the Authority L.H.T. Priya Perera giving evidence before the Presidential Commission of inquiry to investigate into acts of corruption & frauds occurred in state institutions.


The Progressive Workers Union had filed a complaint with the Presidential Commission last February in this regard.

The Commission took up the complaint for the first time yesterday to investigate the alleged corruption at state institutions between the period 2015-2018.

In her evidence she said the approved cadre for the 25 district offices was 2.164, but to date over 4,500 employees had been recruited.

She said from among the excess 2,300 employees 95% had been recruited from the Hambantota district.

Hambantota only needs 77, current cadre 1,400

In her evidence she said the approved cadre for the Hambantota office is only 77 but there are over 1,400 currently employed.

She pointed out that there are 31 employees recruited over the age of 60.

Although Cabinet approval was required for such recruitments, no such approval had been obtained.

She said employees who political support ‘Udagam’ projects have been given promotions and salary increases violating circulars and even individuals who are not employees of the Authority have been given various perks.She also pointed out that 31 employees above the age of 60 had been recruited without seeking cabinet approval although such appointments must be approved by the cabinet of ministers. The Minister and senior officials of the Ministry should be held responsible for the malpractices that have been committed in the Authority said the former Administrative Officer.

Bribery allegations against Sajith

Meanwhile, Attorney Premanath C, Dolawatte had filed a complaint with the Bribery Commission and the Elections Commission against Sajith Premadasa yesterday on allegations of misusing public property.

Punishable offence- Elec. Com.

Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya had issued a notice to all Provincial Councils, Governors and District Secretaries and institutional heads regarding the misusing of public property during election campaigning.

It states that the use of state sector employees for election activities should not be permitted.

It also states that the use of state property for election propaganda is a punishable offence.