A tense situation has occurred at the Ministry of Social Empowerment as staff members have launched a protest against the transfer of Samurdhi Services Director General J. Dadallage.

The protestors allege that Dadallage has been transferred for refusing to sign a circular. They also stated that the circular, which Dadallage refused to sign, contravenes the current procedure on enrolling Samurdhi beneficiaries.

The circular, according to them, allows a large number of UNP supporters to be listed as Samurdhi beneficiaries. Therefore, the protestors demanded the reinstatement of the Samurdhi Services Director General with Immediate effect.

The transfer has been initiated by the Secretary to the Ministry of Social Services and Social Empowerment.

However, when contacted by Asian Mirror, a spokesman for Social Empowerment Minister P. Harrison, who wished to remain anonymous, said Dadallage had come under criticism for a long time for his “connections” with the opposition.

He said Dadallage was a known supporter of former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa.