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 situation report issued by the Disaster Management Centre at 1800hrs today (5th December) confirms that 607 persons have died due to the adverse weather conditions while the number of missing persons has reduced to 214.
The number of persons affected topped the 2 million mark (2,082,195).
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX- United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, at a ceremony held at the United
States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Aiming to strengthen and develop partnerships to overcome common challenges in the maritime domain, the U.S. Coast Guard has previously provided 03 ships to SLN and they are currently patrolling island waters under the names of ‘Samudura’ (P 621), ‘Gajabahu’(P 626), and ‘Vijayabahu’ (P 627).
As an extension of partnership ties that bring value to each other’s services, Ex-USCGC DECISIVE was transferred as the fourth ship to be handed to SLN.
Ex-USCGC DECISIVE, a ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’, measures 64m in length, and having endurance of 6000 NM at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for a
crew of 100 and is equipped with weapons and machinery.
The ship which was used by the U.S. Coast Guard has rendered exceptional service during her tenure by curbing illegal activities, including smuggling of narcotics in U.S. waters.
Sri Lanka inherits an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that is seven times larger than the landmass. In such a backdrop, the Navy is determined to deploy this vessel in wide-ranging
operations that include the conservation of marine resources in the region and the search and rescue of naval and fishing communities in distress. Thereby, the Navy will be able to utilize
this vessel efficiently in the future to achieve the national aspiration, while ensuring safe and secure seas for all economic affairs.
The formal handing over – taking over ceremony was also distinguished by the presence of the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer and Director of Domain & Integration Services U.S. Coast
Guard, James L. Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Commanding Officer designate of P 628, Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya as well as a group of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in United States and the State Department
of the United State
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Center at 0600hrs today [5th December] confirms that 486 persons have died and another 341 persons are missing after the devastating weather conditions in the past week.
171,778 persons have been displaced and have taken refuge at 1,231 safety centers established by the government.
Death toll rises to 607, missing persons reduce to 214 at 1800hrs today (5)
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486 dead, 341 missing, 171,778 displaced as at 0600hrs today [05]
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