The Elections Commission (EC) yesterday prohibited canvassing or distribution of handbills at Government institutions, including public departments, State corporations, Statutory Boards and even Provincial Councils.   

“There should be no canvassing or distribution of hand bills or conducting of meetings in any public or Provincial Council office or any Government school or any local Government office or in any institution belonging to any State Corporation or Statutory Board for and on behalf of any candidate contesting the Parliamentary Election. Therefore, it is notified hereby to all politicians, political activists and trade union activists that it is mandatory to abstain from such activities,” the Elections Commission said in a statement. 

The EC also said it will be the responsibility of the Heads of Public or Provincial Council offices or Government schools or local Government offices or State Corporations or Statutory Boards or of their Sub-offices to allow no room to commit any such illegal activities within the office premises under their control. 

“I wish also to invite your attention to Paragraphs 2:4 and 2:5 of Chapter XXXII of the Establishments Code in this regard. In this connection, your attention is hereby invited to the contents of the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2178129 dated 202A.06.06 of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the directions to prevent the misuse of movable or immovable properties belonging to the State, State Corporations or Statutory Boards during the period of an election for the promotion of or in prejudice to any par}, group or candidate or obstructing the conduct of free and fair election, issued by the Elections Commission,” EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said.