Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (EC), raising concerns over recent appointments at the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna. TISL asserts that these appointments contravene current election laws meant to uphold fairness during the electoral period.

On 10 October, Selvin Ireneuss Mariampillai was appointed as Chairman of the PDB. However, within less than two weeks, on 22 October, Mariampillai was replaced by Vinayagamoorthy Sahadevan, and new board members were also appointed. TISL claims these swift changes, reportedly approved by a Cabinet Minister, appear to breach guidelines established by the ECSL’s Gazette issued on 25 September, which prohibits new appointments, promotions, or transfers within government institutions during the election period without the Commission's prior approval.

The PDB appointments, which lack the mandated approval, have sparked public concerns over compliance with legal standards and governance practices during this sensitive period. TISL argues that these actions undermine public trust in the electoral process and compromise perceptions of fairness.

In its complaint, TISL urges the ECSL to conduct an investigation into the PDB appointments and to take corrective measures. Furthermore, TISL calls on the Government to suspend appointments in public institutions until the General Election concludes, thereby avoiding perceptions of political bias or undue influence.

Committed to transparency and accountability, TISL stated it will continue to monitor these developments closely, advocating for ethical governance across public institutions during the election period.