Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake has said that only 3,712 out of 75,589 contestants, 49 political parties and 257 independent groups who contested the 2025 local government elections on 6 May had submitted their campaign finance statements to the Election Commission (EC) by Thursday (22). He has warned that those who fail to do so by 27 May will have to face consequences as per the Campaign Expenditure Regulation Act No 3 of 2023.

 Gajanayake said those who violated the campaign expenditure laws may even lose their political rights; they may not be able either to vote or to contest election for three years.

Gajanayake said that IRES had been actively monitoring campaign expenditure incurred by political parties and candidates since 2024 and it was aware that four General Secretaries of recognised political parties had not submitted their campaign finance income/expenditure statements even though the candidates who repre sented the political parties had done so.

Three persons who proposed the candidatures of three contestants in the last presidential election had not submitted their campaign finance reports. Three candidates who contested the presidential election had failed to submit their campaign finance income/expenditure statements, the IRES said.

 The election monitor said that all 150 candidates who contested the Elpitiya Local Authorities Election and the political parties and independents had not submitted their campaign expenditure returns.

 Gajanayake said that of the 8,361 candidates who contested last year’s general election, only 7,412 candidates had submitted their campaign finance income/ expenditure statements. Of the 527 National List nominees, only 43 had submitted their campaign finance statements. Of the 690 political parties and independent groups that contested that election only 493 had complied with the legal requirement.

Gajanayake said that it was imperative that the authorities expedite the process of taking legal action against the offenders. The EC informs the Police of those who have violated the Campaign Finance Act. The police seek the Attorney General’s opinion before instituting legal action and this is a long, drawn-out process.

Gajanayake said it would be prudent for all concerned to submit their election campaign income/expenditure statements by the due date and avoid prosecution.

by PRIYAN DE SILVA 

NPP MP Lakmali Hemachandra has been appointed the Chairperson of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations.

Her appointment was confirmed during the Committee’s inaugural meeting held in Parliament on Thursday (22), when her name was proposed by MP Wijesiri Basnayake and seconded by MP Kanthasamy Prabu.

The meeting, attended by other members of the Committee, marks the official commencement of its work aimed at reviewing and supporting policies related to economic growth and Sri Lanka’s international engagements. MP Hemachandra’s leadership is expected to bring a focused and inclusive approach to key national issues under the Committee’s purview.

Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized distributor for Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka and a flagship subsidiary of the Ideal Group, announced on Friday the appointment of Dilani Yatawaka as its Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025.

A release issued by the Ideal Motors said: Yatawaka becomes the first female business leader to hold this position in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, setting a new precedent for women in leadership.

With over 25 years of experience in finance and the automotive sector, Yatawaka transitions from her previous role as Group Finance Director, bringing a proven track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence to her new position.

A distinguished alumna of St. Bridget’s Convent, she is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK (FCMA, UK), and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (FCMA). She is also a Certified Management Accountant (CIMA). Yatawaka began her career at Ernst & Young before joining Associated Motorways (AMW) as Financial Controller, eventually rising to the role of Group Finance Director.

Her pivotal role in restructuring AMW following its acquisition by the UAE’s Al-Futtaim Group showcased her strategic acumen and leadership capabilities.

She joined the Ideal Group in 2017 as Finance Director and has since steered the company through multiple crises—including the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic downturn—without layoffs or salary cuts, exemplifying resilience and compassionate leadership.

Identifying an opportunity to strengthen Mahindra & Mahindra’s after-market segment, Yatawaka led a strategic overhaul that included pricing revamps, securing supplier support from Mahindra, and launching targeted awareness campaigns. Within five months, these initiatives significantly boosted after-market sales.

Yatawaka’s leadership philosophy centers on the principle that “companies and employees grow together through recognition and empowerment.” Her appointment reflects her ability to drive profitability while nurturing a people-centric culture.

Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group, praised her historic appointment:

“Dilani’s strategic vision and resilience were instrumental in Ideal Motors’ turnaround. Her success in revitalizing our after-market business—and her unwavering commitment to our team—made her the natural choice to lead the company into its next decade of growth. Her appointment as the first female MD/CEO in Sri Lanka’s automotive sector is a proud moment for our industry.”