News
TISL observes significant drop in abuse of state resources during general election
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) says that it has observed a significant reduction in complaints related to the misuse of public funds, vehicles, and state power or positions during the General Election 2024.
In contrast to the Presidential Election 2024, where TISL recorded 33 complaints about the misuse of state funds and 48 complaints concerning state vehicles, the General Election period saw only three complaints about the misuse of state funds and one regarding state vehicles. Importantly, no complaints were received about the misuse of state power or positions during this election.
TISL monitored the recently concluded General Election with a special emphasis on the misuse of public resources. A team of 200 Election Observers was deployed across all districts. Overall, TISL received 1,092 complaints, the majority of which (889) pertained to the illegal display of posters, cut-outs, banners, and other unauthorized materials in public spaces.
Additionally, TISL noted 63 complaints about government officials promoting political parties and independent groups—markedly fewer than the 155 similar incidents reported during the last Presidential Election.
Other categories of complaints received by TISL include: 30 violations related to party offices, 25 instances involving the use of state or developmental meetings for political purposes, 20 complaints about the distribution of goods and services, 15 cases involving promotions, demotions, or transfers of public officials, 15 incidents of misuse involving state, private, or social media, six complaints about manipulating state-sponsored development projects, livelihood grants, or allowances for election purposes and 23 miscellaneous complaints.
After thorough verification, over 900 complaints were forwarded to the Election Commission for appropriate action.
On Election Day, TISL mobilized 240 observers, including its staff, to monitor polling stations and related activities. While no major incidents were reported, 215 complaints were received concerning voter influence, illegal campaigning, vote-buying attempts, and other violations. Many of these issues were promptly addressed in collaboration with the Election Commission.
The overall environment of the Parliamentary Election was peaceful and calm, reflecting a positive shift in election culture. TISL expresses its gratitude to the Election Commission, Police, political parties, and other stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process.
However, the decline in voter turnout to 69% underscores the need for greater public awareness about the importance of participating in elections and exercising the right to vote.
The Jana Aragala Sandhanaya yesterday lodged a complaint with the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), calling for an investigation into Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep over alleged irregularities related to a Guinness World Record event held in Sri Lanka.
The organisation alleged that state patronage had been extended to a private company for the event and that large sums of money had been collected from around 5,000 families of participating students.
Speaking to the media, after submitting the complaint, Jana Aragala Sandhanaya National Executive Council member and Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Secretary, Duminda Nagamuwa, alleged that the government had promoted the Bharatanatyam workshop, held on June 14, as an event that secured a Guinness World Record for the participation of the largest number of students.
He said a government politician had taken the lead in organising the event, attended by Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe.
Nagamuwa questioned the decision to provide state support for an event organised by a private entity, claiming that the Guinness certificate issued for the achievement had been awarded not to Sri Lanka or a state institution, but to a company.
“Why did the government provide state patronage to a private institution’s programme?” he asked.
He alleged that each of the approximately 5,000 participating students had paid Rs. 5,000, resulting in the collection of a substantial amount of money. He claimed that parents were also asked to pay additional amounts of Rs. 3,450 for logos and Rs. 2,350 for certificates.
Nagamuwa alleged that many families, from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, had incurred heavy expenses travelling to Colombo and staying there for several days for the event, with some families spending around Rs. 30,000 each.
News
Opposition MPs sign motion demanding debate on prolonged failure to fill vacancies in superior courts
Opposition MPs yesterday signed a motion demanding an adjournment debate in Parliament on the prolonged failure to fill vacancies in Sri Lanka’s superior courts.
The motion, submitted under Standing Order 83(1), calls for a debate on the implications of leaving more than eight vacancies in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal unfilled for over six months.
The Opposition said the proposed debate would examine the impact of the vacancies on the administration of justice, the rule of law, the protection of fundamental rights and public access to justice, while urging the authorities to expedite appointments to the vacant posts.
The motion, bearing the signatures of Opposition MPs, is to be forwarded to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, for approval, to schedule the debate.
Suranga Sanjeewa Karunaratne, alias ‘Matiya’, an alleged underworld gunman linked to organised crime figure Kehelbaddara Padme, was arrested on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in the early hours yesterday.
Police said the suspect, a resident of Kotugoda, Yagodamulla, had been detained by Malaysian authorities and deported to Sri Lanka. Officers of the CID took him into custody upon his arrival.
Investigators said an Interpol Red Notice had been issued against the suspect.
Karunaratne is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting, near the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court, in July, 2022, in which alleged organised criminal ‘Paspodda’ was killed and several others sustained injuries.
Following preliminary questioning by the CID, the suspect was handed over to the Western Province North Crimes Division for further investigations. Police said a 72-hour detention order had been obtained to facilitate further inquiries.
by Norman Palihawadane ✍️
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