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Civil society groups warn of move to delay LG polls

Published

3 years ago

2023/01/19

Transparency International Sri Lanka has said that the proposed law, titled “Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill,” listed for its Second Reading in Parliament today (19), shouldn’t be used to put off scheduled Local Government polls.

The following is the text of statement issued by the anti-corruption watchdog: “Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) have for several years been campaigning for the enactment of a strong law to regulate the role of money in election campaigns.

The collective of election monitoring organisations emphasizes that a law that seeks to regulate election campaign financing should prevent undue influence of donors over candidates, parties and independent groups, create a level playing field for all candidates including new entrants and underrepresented groups and reduce excessive and illegal spending on elections including by means such as the misuse of public funds and vote-buying. To be effective, the law should also provide for a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism by both the authorities and citizens.

However, the Bill that was gazetted on 29th November 2022, is woefully inadequate to serve these purposes. The Bill bans campaign contributions from certain parties such as foreign governments, corporate bodies registered outside Sri Lanka, companies with foreign shareholding and anonymous donors. However, it does not impose any limit on how much funding a candidate, party or independent group can receive from any source, allowing space for undue influence.

The Bill foresees the designation of an authorized amount as the spending limit for a candidate at each election, which amount has not been considered with sufficient detail. It also does not, set out an adequate monitoring mechanism. It does not prevent spending by political parties and third parties, on candidates. As such, the proposed spending limit will only defeat the purpose of introducing this law.

The proposed procedure to enforce spending limits, is also inadequate. The Bill only provides that candidates should submit audited accounts to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL), who will notify the public of their availability for perusal. An effective law would require maintenance and disclosure of separate all accounts of candidates, parties or independent groups to the ECSL, and would also make such information digitally accessible to the public, enabling easy scrutiny, and an opportunity to digitally identify irregularities.

When the Bill was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament, it was challenged before the Supreme Court, but the Determination of the Court is not yet publicly available.

While re-emphasising the critical need for election campaign financing regulation in Sri Lanka, the collective of election monitoring organisations calls upon the government to close the aforementioned loopholes in the Bill and to engage in a consultative process with the public, without rushing its passage in Parliament. A weak regulatory system can lead to a further deterioration of people’s trust in politics and the legitimacy of the electoral process, and will not achieve the objectives of introducing such a law.

The collective further reiterates that the introduction of a campaign financing law should in no instance be used as a reason to delay the holding of the local government elections.

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Russian circumnavigation team arrive in Sri Lanka

Published

7 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

The Russian circumnavigation team, the 5 Oceans Club, made a brief stop in Sri Lanka as part of their second global sailing expedition.

The six-member crew, visited the Russian House in Colombo, on Friday, (24th April) where they shared insights from their journey.

What makes this expedition particularly inspiring is the club’s commitment to inclusivity. They actively encourage children with limb disabilities to experience the ocean and participate in sailing as equals, fostering confidence and a deep connection with nature.

The team also spoke about a specialized sailing school based in Siberia—one of Russia’s most picturesque regions—where children with such challenges are trained and introduced to maritime life. During the session, they offered a glimpse into their daily life aboard the yacht and highlighted how they integrate elements of science into their explorations, making their journey both adventurous and educational.

The crew consists of, Dmitry Kuznetsov – (captain of the boat of the 5 Oceans Club), ⁠Vladimir Dudkin – (crew member), ⁠Dmitry Dudkin –(cabin boy), ⁠Ksenia Kuznetsova – (cabin boy), ⁠Natalia Shahinyan – (founder of the charity foundation “Life on the Move”), ⁠Sofia Sheremet -(ward of the foundation)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

13 hours ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

14 hours ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.