Serious allegations have emerged regarding irregularities and arbitrary appointments, reportedly based on ‘sexual bribery,’ within the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).
According to the accusations, a “long-standing friendship” between Dr. Wijith Rohana Fernando, Chairman representing the National People’s Power (NPP), and Ms. Sanduni Ariyawansa led to her receiving promotions to directorial positions without meeting minimum qualifications or experience, despite facing imminent dismissal due to disciplinary inquiries.
Fabricated Documents and Arbitrary Promotions
- Initial Appointment: Sanduni Ariyawansa, who previously worked on the personal staff of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, was appointed as an Assistant Director at ONUR by the Cabinet in 2015 during the ‘Yahapalana’ government, allegedly by submitting fabricated documents.
- Escaping Disciplinary Action: Ariyawansa, facing dismissal after a disciplinary inquiry found her guilty, saw the investigation abruptly halted with the appointment of Chairman Wijith Rohana Fernando.
- Director Position: She was subsequently promoted from Deputy Director to Director. Accusations state that she lacks the fundamental qualifications and experience required for a director position in state corporations and boards.
Suspicious Removal of Director-General
Mr. K. Maheshan, a respected public servant fluent in Tamil (a crucial requirement for the position), was serving as the acting Director-General of ONUR. While the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice was working to confirm him as the permanent Director-General:
- Mr. Maheshan, who was due to retire today (September 30), had agreed to continue in an acting capacity as per the Ministry Secretary’s instructions. However, the Chairman retired him.
- Instead, the Chairman allegedly misled the Board of Directors and, with the assistance of an Additional Secretary representing the Ministry, arranged for Sanduni Ariyawansa to be appointed as the acting Director-General.
Disregard for Political Directives and Sexual Bribery Allegation
The Chairman, an NPP representative, is accused of acting arbitrarily despite receiving instructions from the political wing of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) not to appoint Ms. Ariyawansa to this position.
Complainants, alleging this is clearly a case of sexual bribery and corruption, state they previously filed a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption but no action has been taken thus far.
The complainants have notified Chairman Neil Iddawala and Director-General Ranga Disanayake of the Bribery Commission, urging an immediate investigation into these serious allegations.
(The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) was established in 2015 and became a statutory body through Parliamentary Act No. 01 of 2024. However, its recruitment procedure has not yet been approved by the Department of Management Services.)
