TISL exposes fresh misuse of public property for electioneering
Thursday, 25 December 2014 00:00
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The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday issued a statement exposing fresh misuse of public property for electioneering ahead of the Presidential poll.
Here is the full text of the TISL statement:
Illegal construction of election campaign offices
It has been informed to us that a large number of election offices contrary to the laws of election and circulars issued by you have been set up in the districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara.
These constructions set up in the guise of election campaign offices do not function accordingly. It is reported that some offices are betting centres and vacant buildings while some others consist of empty land. It was humorous to witness a road side transformer also decorated as a part of an election office. We have photographed a number of these campaign offices and have attached some of it herewith.
This is more prominent in Colombo East, Kolonnawa, Minuwangoda, Divulapitiya and Negombo. In addition, large billboards and cut-outs are still in display in Colombo and its suburbs.
We would appreciate if you could inform the respective regional authorities about these activities and take immediate measures to remove these illegal constructions. We would be more than happy to point these out to the official if necessary.
Military Officers engaging in political activities
A meeting was held for retired officer under the patronage of Brigadier Rohitha Dharmasiri at the Trincomalee Fort Army Camp on 17 December. The Brigadier who addressed the officers at the meeting had emphasised that the officers should vote for the incumbent President in order to avoid another war.
A media briefing was held by the Chief Commanding Officer of the Gajaba regiment Major Mahesh and the 2nd Chief Commanding of the same regiment Officer Major Susith, in the presence of members of military families requesting them to vote for President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The briefing was held on 17 December at Andankulam around 3:30 in the evening. We have been told that a military cab bearing the number 49575 has been used for the event.
Property of Ceylon Transport Board used for election campaigning
We have received a letter sent to the Executive level officers of the Ceylon Transport Board titled ‘Presidential Election 2015’ and dated 21 December signed by Nimal Abeysiri, Chief secretary of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Jathikia Sevaka Samithiya. The said letter is attached herewith.
This letter instructs CTB officers on how the property and officers attached to the CTB should be used for President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s election campaign. The Chief Secretary has no authority to instruct officers of the CTB thus. However his instructions are being carried out by a number of CTB depots across the country.
This letter is one piece of evidence of the large-scale violations taking place within the CTB and such actions are detrimental to a free and fair election. We request you to inform the CTB officers not to heed these instructions and create an environment free of intimidation for CTB officers to carry out their day to day duties.
Promotion Campaign held by officers and employees
A meeting was held at the Fort Railway Station on 19 December from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to declare support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and object to the Common Candidate. The meetings was convened by Sri Lanka Nidahas Ekabadda Janamadya Sansadaya with the participation of officers attached to the Rupavahini Cooperation, Radio Ceylon, ITN, Lakhanda Radio, Lake House and the Panaluwa-Padukka branch of the State Printing Cooperation without obtaining leave.
The officers attached to Radio Ceylon, Rupavahini Cooperation and Lakhanda Radio complained to us that they were directly pressured by high ranking officials. A high ranking officer of Rupavahini Corporation has threatened to fire newly joined employees if they do not participate.
These employees have been used to distribute flyers and handbills carrying pictures of President Mahinda Rajapaksa inside and in front of the railway station.
Furthermore we observed the following resources also being used for campaigning purposes:
Nissan van with the number WP PB 2115 (This van which belongs to the Lake House was used to transport campaign material)
Bus with the number 63-1631 (Bus belonging to the Rupavahini Cooperation used to transport all people to the meeting)
Crew Cab with the number WP LG 5369 (The employees of Lakhanda used this van to transport sound systems. The ITN logo in front of the van was covered with a piece of white paper)
Mobile broadcasting vehicle with the number WP LL 4587 (A mobile broadcasting vehicle used during the meeting for sound distribution)
Photographic evidence of the above is available with us.
It is our observation that the use of state resources and public officials during work hours for election campaigning purposes is a blatant violation election laws. We request you to take immediate action against the perpetrators.
The Governor of Western Province involved in election campaigning
Alawi Maulana, Governor of Western Province has participated in a campaign for election promotion. As per the instructions given by you such activity is against the law.
