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EC says it cannot reject nominations on the basis of previous court rulings

By Chaminda Silva
The Election Commission (EC) is not empowered to reject the nominations of candidates with past or present court verdicts against them, Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake has said.Rathnayake, contacted by The Island, noted that the EC could not reject the nomination of actor and politician Ranjan Ramanayake if he submitted it.
“If anyone wishes to challenge Ramanayake’s participation in the election, he or she will have to seek a court order against him,” Ratnayake said.
“Individuals with past or present court verdicts may have decided to contest after receiving legal advice. We do not have the power to reject their nominations,” he added.
Rathnayake also told The Island that the EC had confirmed the dates for postal voting in the 2024 general election.
Postal voting for the parliamentary election will take place on 20 October, 01 and 04 November at all District Secretariats and District Election Offices.
For those who are unable to cast postal votes on the aforementioned dates, alternative voting opportunities will be available on 07 and 08 November at the same locations, according to the EC. The certification of postal voter lists will be completed by 16 October, and these lists will be handed over to the postal department for distribution on 23 October.
Rathnayake said that the delivery of official ballot papers to post offices will commence on 26 October.
Additionally, 27 and 31 October, as well as 03 November, have been designated as special days for the distribution of official polling cards. The final date for distributing ballot papers is set for 07 November 2024, according to the EC.
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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May

IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.
This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.
News
UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka

Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).
During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
News
Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament

Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.
Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.
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