SLA high commands, government servants in Jaffna caught in dilemma

[TamilNet, Thursday, 07 January 2010, 04:26 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) high officials and government department chiefs in Jaffna being summoned by Basil Rajapakse, the brother and senior advisor to President Mahinda Rajapakse, to participate in election campaign meetings in Jaffna to canvas votes for Mahinda Rajapakse are caught in a tight spot, unable to disregard the call of Basil Rajapakse, sources in Jaffna said. Welfare Union of Public servants in Jaffna expressed its deep concern on its members being called to attend election campaign meetings held in support of Mahinda Rajapakse by his brother Basil Rajapakse, the sources added.

Jaffna SLA Commander Major General Mark who was assigned to receive Basil Rajapakse at Palaali found it disagreeable to do so he being a close friend of Sarath Fonseka, the rival candidate of President Mahinda Rajapakse, the sources said.

Northern Province Governor Major General (retd) G. A. Chandrasiri, a close friend of Sarath Fonseka too was in the same situation, the sources further said.

Meanwhile, Additional Government Agent of Jaffna and the Divisional Secretary of Thellippazhai Division and the Head of Fisheries Department in Jaffna had to attend the above election campaign meetings and ask people to vote for Maninda Rajapakse asked to do by Basil Rajapakse and Minister Douglas Devananda, the sources added.

Jaffna Government Agent, being the Election Officer, refrained from participating in the meetings held by Basil Rajapakse and Minister Douglas Devananda.