Eastern Chief Minister abusing Uniformed officer -- Update
The manner in which Eastern Chief Minister behaved disrespectfully against a Navy Uniformed Officer at a school ceremony has by now become an incident which has been severely criticised. Everybody is keeping his fingers crossed to see what the outcome is when thee President is to return to Sri Lanka.
When the Chief Minister was shouting out at the Officer on stage, what the Eastern Province
Governor Austin Fernando did was make a tap on the former's back and said 'not to take notice about it'. Expressing his ideas to a weekend newspaper he says that he has still not spoken to the Chief Minister after the incident. He also says that he does not wish to say what the American Ambassador said that day. This is the response he gave when questioned about this:* Actually what happened that day?
Like it was on the video. The Eastern Chief Minister lost hiss temper and spoke in that manner to the Navy Captain. The Navy Captain even apologised that time. Even after that the Chief Minister spoke in a rough tone.
* What is the reason for such a thing to happen?
What the Chief Minister said was that he was pushed. But that I didn't see.
* Isn't it that the Chief Minister was not invited to that festival?
When that invitation came, the Chief Minister was overseas. So because there wasn't any way for him to get the invitation I sent a letter to his Secretary across my Secretary asking him to come for the festival because the American Ambassador also was to come. He was invited by my Office.
* How did the Navy Officer behave in that instance?
He behaved in a most humble and disciplined manner.
* Did the American Ambassador speak to you about this incident after it happened?
Yes, he spoke.
* What did he say to you?
What the two of us spoke, it's not moralistic enough to let the media, the public to know.
* Did the Chief Minister speak to you after the incident?
No. Neither did I speak. He didn't speak too me.
* Did you speak to the Navy Officer?
After the incident I spoke to him and apologised. I didn't speak any further.
* Was this kind of behaviour reported earlier against the Chief Minister?
No. This is the first time.
* What is the action the Governor could take in an instance like this?
I was the person who gave him the appointment. I have no powers to take legal action about how he behaves himself and his discipline.
* Did the President ask you about this?
No. Didn't speak so far. Those are not matters spoken over the phone.
* Is it reported that he behaves in this manner inside the provincial council?
No. Not reported to me. Neither am I going to enquire about those things.
* The Chief Minister has reprimanded you also, isn't it?
Hasn't reprimanded me. He has expressed opinions about me. It's his personal matter ... not applicable to me.
(discussion -- Dilanka Gunatilleka)