PM’s media division dismisses PAFFREL allegation as false

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s Media Division has found fault with election watchdog People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) for accusing the Premier of violating election rules in conducting a religious event on July 30.

The PM’s Media Division (PMD) said that PAFFREL wrote to the Election Commission urging it to take action against the summoning of District and Divisional Secretaries to a ceremony to be held to invoke blessings on the Prime Minister at the Kataragama Kiri Vehera because that directive was unlawful and unethical.

The PMMD has said that the complaint is baseless.

It has said: “This year, the 30th annual Maha Satyayakriya and Adhisthana Pooja was held at the Kataragama Kirivehera to invoke blessings on the country and the people. It is always performed at this time of the year.

“During those last three decades, the venerableMaha Sangha, national organisations, academics, national movements, and religious organizations participate in this event, either invited or uninvited, as this is open to the public.

“This Adhisthana Pooja as well as Satyakriya was not and will not be used for any narrow purpose, and many people participate in it voluntarily.”