SJB accuses Govt. of misusing police for election purposes 

• SJB expresses concern over deployment of police resources for election campaigns, citing meetings involving Community Policing Committees chaired by President 
• Notifies ECSL about potential interference in state press operations ahead of 2024 Presidential election
• Urges ECSL to safeguard election integrity, maximise State press contributions, and ensure adherence to constitutional provisions to maintain fairness

The main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), yesterday raised concerns with the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, urging measures to prevent the misuse of the Sri Lanka Police for election campaign tactics ahead of the 2024 Presidential election. The party also called for actions to safeguard the integrity of the State press.

In a letter signed by SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the party expressed its appreciation to the ECSL for preventing the misuse of public property by provincial Governors for election propaganda during an election period and for taking action based on the requests of the SJB-led Opposition.



The SJB stated it was writing to the ECSL to bring attention to two additional violations being planned by the Government.

The SJB has raised concerns about the Government’s alleged attempt to deploy police officers and resources for election campaign rallies. According to the letter referencing directives from Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennekoon, meetings have been convened involving members of the public in Community Policing Committees. The SJB said these gatherings are purportedly aimed at conducting workshops with the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The SJB highlighted that the inaugural meeting of this nature recently occurred in Wellawaya.

The SJB expressed dismay over the gathering of community police committee members and the large-scale workshops using police resources, with the President participating as a resource person. They denounced these gatherings as election campaign events, criticising the full utilisation of Government resources for such purposes.

“The next meeting in this series is scheduled to take place in the Kegalle area on 13 July 2024, chaired by the President. Reports indicate that 15 participants from each community police unit in the area have been instructed to attend,” the party said. 

“One of the primary tactics employed to disrupt the previous local Government election was meddling with the printing of ballot papers at the State printing press. According to reports received, the cabinet has approved a revision of incentives for press employees. Additionally, there is a recommendation to relocate the Government Press to a new location, as outlined in the letter,” it added. 

The party noted that their observation indicates the clear intent of these actions is to disrupt election activities by causing confusion among press employees at such a crucial time.

The SJB cited Article 104(b) of the Constitution, emphasising that public property and officials must not be used to promote political parties or candidates. They also underscored the importance of Article 104(c), which grants the Election Commission authority over the deployment of police for election purposes, stressing the need for adherence to ECSL directives in this regard.

Furthermore, the SJB highlighted Article 104(g), which mandates all public officers to assist election activities under the supervision of the Election Commission.

The party expressed concerns over recent developments where police resources were reportedly utilised for election campaign tactics and recommended immediate action to prevent such misuse. They also urged the ECSL to ensure that State press resources are maximally utilised for election-related activities, cautioning against Government actions that could potentially sow confusion during the electoral process. The SJB requested prompt intervention from the ECSL and sought updates on measures taken to address these concerns.