Corrupt Wijeratne dreams of becoming transport ministry secretary 

Sep 03, 2015

Former director general of the department of registration of motor vehicles B. Wijeratne has begun working as secretary to the transport ministry even before a subject minister is appointed, reports say. Presently secretary of the agriculture ministry, he is focusing on striking deals with brokering companies that import locomotives for the railways department and buses for the CTB.

He was the DG of RMV during the period Kumar Welgama was the transport minister. During that period, his foremost task was earning commission money. The RMV is one of the state institutions that solicit commissions from its customers. Wijeratne did that brilliantly, which led to his having to say goodbye to the institution. Welgama removed him due to his corrupt activities.

Then, he was appointed secretary to the agriculture ministry. Secretary of the ministry Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan resigned before the general election, and the position remains vacant. Wijeratne is trying to get appointed to that position. He pays visits to the offices of the president and the prime minister to get the transport ministry secretary position as he knows its perks and advantages.

He has already built connections with the brokering companies that import train locomotives and buses, but not for the good of the ministry or the country. It is to gain commission money through such deals that he tries to return to the place from where he was expelled.

Addressing parliament at its inauguration, the president said he would never hesitate to act against the corrupt. According to that statement, persons like Wijeratne are not fit to hold ministry position again. People wish for the maximum punishment to such persons for their wrongs through the enforcement of the law, and do not want to see them appointed to positions.