Sri Lanka, Nov. 9 -- Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal has come under scrutiny following remarks encouraging private companies to continue their traditional December gift distributions to municipal council employees and other public-sector workers.

Speaking at an event held in Arangala, Malabe, yesterday (8), Jayalal claimed that some private businesses had apparently discontinued the practice of sending year-end gifts following the change in administration.

He urged companies that had previously provided seasonal gifts to public-sector employees to maintain the tradition, noting that government workers also appreciated receiving food, beverages and other products.

"If you usually give some of your products to staff at public institutions ...