Free cheap toddy to lure estate workers to rallies: CMEV

CMEV Convenor Manjula Gajanayake

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) says estate workers have been brought in to support political rallies of some candidates offering free alcohol, and this is a clear violation of election laws. CMEV Convenor Manjula Gajanayake, says low-quality bottled toddy has been distributed amongst some estate workers as encouragement and compensation for their support at rallies.

Gajanayake said this is against the law and urged police and health officials to investigate.

The CMEV said in addition to violation of election laws, the distribution of such low-grade toddy poses numerous health risks to consumers, in addition to the impact on productivity at work in the estate sector over the following days. These bottles have been distributed free amongst the workers, and Gajanayake urged Public Health Inspectors to take note and ensure safety and compliance to election laws and health standards.