Ombudsman

Proposed relocation of the Government Publications Bureau

The Government Publications Bureau, the authority to publish all government publications was established during the colonial era. It was housed at the Secretariat Building. Later it was shifted to a building at the Lotus Road. Sometime later it moved to a building adjoining the Transworks House. All these changes happened within a span of ten years on ministerial orders.

This Bureau in Fort was located in Fort to facilitate the easy distribution of official documents to the public and institutions as it was the central spot for the activities. Time was when easy accessibility to the public was the criterion in locating state institutions.

The latest reports indicate that the Bureau and the distribution centre are to be shifted to Havelock Town. That is certainly bad news for the public, especially those who come from outstations.

The authorities concerned must reconsider this ill-conceived relocation.

Cecil Jayasinghe
Kandy