SLPP wants EC response to their complaint on Prof. Hoole

• Says other EC members should declare their stance on Prof. Hoole’s comments or risk losing credibility 
• Dinesh says Govt. acted immediately to address US Embassy official’s refusal of PCR test 
• Expresses confidence that diplomats and FM will work better together in future 

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said they anticipate a written response from the Election Commission (EC) regarding their complaint about Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole’s controversial statement in Jaffna.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam on Saturday complained to the EC regarding Prof. Hoole’s statement and questioned the impartiality of the Commission member.  

Speaking to reporters at the SLPP head office, Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said Prof. Hoole’s controversial statements raise concerns about the impartiality of the Commission. He pointed out that the EC should hold a neutral position to maintain its impartiality.  

“We would like the EC to publish their opinion about Prof. Hoole’s behaviour. If the Commission views his behaviour as not meeting the Commission’s standard then it must be said so. What will the Commission’s other members do about it to maintain the impartiality of the Commission?” Prof. Peiris questioned.

Prof. Peiris charged Prof. Hoole’s statement had undermined articles reported in the Sinhala language and the SLPP believes it does not behove an official of such high standing to make such statements. He argued the EC should maintain its standards otherwise it would affect the Commission’s reputation and lose credibility. 

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the Government had taken necessary measures to address the incident where a US Embassy official refused a PRC test for COVID-19 upon his arrival in Sri Lanka.

“Every individual arriving in Sri Lanka should comply with the regulations introduced to control the COVID-19 outbreak. The Government has issued a statement about that and I hope there will be no more confusion on that matter,” he said.

Gunawardena noted members of the diplomatic community had followed the Government’s regulations and several diplomats had undergone quarantine after arriving in Sri Lanka and he pointed out that the Government was able to maintain a good relationship with the diplomatic community.

“When Indian High Commissioner arrived, he had followed the Government regulations and undergone quarantine. Therefore there is no misunderstanding with members of foreign missions based in Sri Lanka. The Government will continue to work closely with them,” he said.