By Rathindra Kuruwita

The election campaign finance laws should be amended to allow the automatic disqualification of candidates who fail to submit expense reports on time, without requiring separate legal action, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi proposed.

Currently, the Election Commission must pursue legal action against non-compliant candidates through the Police and the Attorney General’s Department, a process Hettiarachchi described as cumbersome and inefficient.

“This is a major issue concerning the campaign finance laws. During the 2024 presidential election 13 candidates, along with their party secretaries or nominators failed to submit their expense reports. Similarly, over 100 candidates at the Elpitiya Local Council poll and more than 1,200 who contested the November 2024 general election did not submit their reports,” he said.

Hettiarachchi explained that under current laws, legal proceedings must be initiated to penalise such individuals. “The Election Commission lodges complaints with the Police, and the Police, after consulting the Attorney General’s Department, take legal action against those who fail to submit their expense reports on time. This is a lengthy and unnecessary process as there is no investigation required. It is a straightforward case of failing to comply,” he said.

He warned of the administrative challenges this could pose at the upcoming Local Council elections. “If, for example, 10,000 candidates fail to submit their expense reports, the Election Commission, Police, and Attorney General’s Department will be overwhelmed. They would have no capacity to focus on anything other than filing cases. Similarly, the courts will be burdened with hearing these cases, leaving little room for other judicial work.”

Hettiarachchi highlighted the current penalties under campaign finance laws: a person found guilty of failing to submit expense reports loses their civic rights for three years and is required to pay a fine of Rs. 100,000.

He called for stricter reforms, proposing an extension of the civic rights suspension period from three to seven years and the immediate loss of civic rights for individuals who fail to submit their reports on time. “These measures will not only simplify enforcement but also ensure greater accountability from candidates,” he said.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Ambassador-designate to the Maldives, Dr Siri Walt, on Friday pledged Switzerland’s support in recovering assets that have been moved out of Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division said.

Dr Walt gave this undertaking during a meeting held on Friday at the Presidential Secretariat with the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

During discussions, Ambassador Walt outlined the international measures required to reclaim such assets and expressed Switzerland’s willingness to provide essential resources and assistance whenever necessary.

The discussion also focused on leveraging Switzerland’s expertise and technical knowledge to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

The Swiss government reaffirmed its commitment to offering technical and financial assistance for Sri Lanka’s priority initiatives, including the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.

The Ambassador further reiterated Switzerland’s dedication to aiding Sri Lanka in addressing social challenges, promoting national reconciliation, and supporting the development of the Northern region through targeted aid and resources.

All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader MP Rishad Bathiudeen told Parliament on Friday that maintaining constructive dialogue and strategic international partnership with our most supportive neighbour India is a must and a connecting bridge between the two countries is most needed.

Bathiudeen said that there was an urgent need for constructive governance in Sri Lanka, particularly in the light of the country’s economic challenges.

He found fault with the current government’s focus on blaming previous administrations rather than addressing pressing issues, urging lawmakers to act wisely to avoid further economic turmoil.

Bathiudeen expressed concern that the current government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is spending excessive time on disparaging past governments instead of focusing on solutions for a “CLEAN SRI LANKA.”

He said that the electorate’s choice of the current leadership was driven by a desire for change and effective governance.

The MP warned that without prudent decision-making, Sri Lanka risks falling into a deeper economic crisis despite its abundant resources. He underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic planning to leverage the country’s assets for economic recovery.

Bathiudeen stressed the significance of India as a key partner for Sri Lanka, particularly in terms of economic support and connectivity. He noted the absence of discussions regarding road connectivity during the President’s recent visit to India, specifically referencing the proposed bridge between Sri Lanka and India, which had been a topic of previous administrations.