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Rampant misuse of public resources obstructs free and fair election: TISL
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) expresses deep concern over the rampant misuse of public resources reported during the ‘Presidential Election 2024’. With 580 complaints received as of Wednesday (4), TISL urges the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) to take immediate and decisive action to halt these violations and uphold the integrity of the election process.
TISL has identified alarming instances where government vehicles, including those of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Sri Lanka Air Force, have been used for election campaigning. TISL has filed Right to Information (RTI) requests with relevant authorities to seek details and transparency on the use of these public resources.
Furthermore, reports have surfaced of public officers, including those in senior categories who do not have political rights, actively campaigning for political parties both in person and on social media. TISL has lodged complaints with the ECSL and the respective heads of institutions, calling for the reconsideration of deploying such officers for election duties.
Speaking at a press conference at TISL’s Nawala premises, Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of TISL, highlighted several government decisions that appear to target specific voter groups to influence election outcomes. “The recent decisions to write off crop loans for farmers and integrate school development officers into the teaching service are concerning. While we support benefits reaching the people, announcing them during an election period in a way that favors certain candidates is an abuse of entrusted power,” she said. “Citizens need to remain vigilant and not let their votes be manipulated or bought. To the candidates we say, your actions now will demonstrate the type of leader you will be if elected. People are watching.”
Thushanie Kandilpana, National Coordinator for the Programme for Protecting Public Resources at TISL, while appreciating the swift, preventive action taken by ECSL in response to many complaints lodged by TISL, emphasized that more robust accountability is needed for incidents that have already occurred. “We have raised the issue of the continuous misuse of the President’s Media Division (PMD) to promote a specific candidate. We urge the ECSL to intervene immediately to stop this trend,” she said.
“The citizens’ ability to live with dignity, enjoy rights and freedoms, ensure economic stability, and secure their future all depend on a free and fair election,” Ms. Perera stressed. “This is the citizens’ opportunity to elect their representatives to take critical decisions for the next five years. They must be allowed to do so without interference.”
TISL calls on all citizens to report any misuse of public resources for election campaigns to www.apesalli.lk or to the hotline 0763223442. The public’s vigilance and timely reporting are crucial in safeguarding the democratic process.
Gowriswaran Kirupairajah, Senior Programme Manager, TISL, urged all citizens and media to bring these issues to light and ensure public awareness, holding all stakeholders accountable for their actions during this crucial election period.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
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President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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