The united employees union, trade unions collective, administrative officers collective and hansard reporters union of parliament have noted this in a joint letter to the speaker.

Deputy speaker Thilanga Sumathipala told parliament yesterday (02) that a person by the name Tikiri Jayatilake has been appointed to the position.

However, there have been reports the appointment was illegal, and Sri Lanka Mirror too, published an article under the headline ‘Secret appointment to parliament?’

The TUs says the new position has been created to cover duties of secretary general of parliament Dhammika Dassanayake, who makes regular trips abroad.

400 foreign trips

All foreign tours received by parliament are enjoyed only by the secretary general, deputy secretary general and the assistant secretary general, their letter says.

Dassanayake has made 400 foreign trips during his parliamentary service, which has cost Rs. 85 million for the state.

His wife, Shalani Nimalgoda Dassanayake, too, has been recruited to a position in parliament.

Copies of the TUs’ letter have been sent to the president, prime minister, chief opposition whip and MPs.