The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has formally requested the Acting Inspector General of Police to investigate a statement made by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, which allegedly violated election laws governing the pre-election silent period.
According to the Commission’s Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, the directive follows a series of complaints lodged by local government election candidates and independent election observers.
At a rally held on May 5, Prime Minister Amarasuriya was reported to have told supporters “not to remain silent during the silent period”, encouraging them to continue spreading campaign messages despite the legal restriction on political canvassing during that time.
The following day, on May 6, the Election Commission sent a formal letter to the acting IGP, urging that the incident be investigated in accordance with the country’s election laws and that necessary legal action be taken if a violation is confirmed.
Under Sri Lanka’s election law, political parties, candidates, and their supporters are required to observe a mandatory silent period in the days immediately preceding an election.
The provision is intended to allow voters to reflect on their choices free from campaigning influence.
The Prime Minister’s comments raised concerns among opposition parties and election watchdogs, who pointed out that it undermined both the spirit and the letter of electoral law.
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