Fake news being planted to delay polls: Prof. G.L. Peiris 

• Says claims of a rift within the EC are a mere fallacy
• Stresses that exerting undue influence on the EC is punishable by law 
• Asks Govt. to do away with State ministerial posts and use funds allocated to them for polls instead

MP Prof. G.L. Peiris says the rumours of a rift within the Election Commission of Sri Lanka is a mere fallacy. The MP called the information ‘planted news’ and pointed out that all five members of the Commission have placed their signatures on the recent Gazette issued calling for nominations. 

“There is no divide within. These false news items attempting to mislead the people are being created by one particular camp,” he said. Peiris made these comments while addressing a press conference at the National Freedom Congress office yesterday. 

According to Peiris, every week the camp continues to come up with various fake news items in an effort to delay polls. “This fake news campaign is being carried out at a very juvenile level,” he said. 

Pointing out a news item stating a senior official of the Ministry of Finance has claimed it does not have the funds for an election, Peiris said the supposed official appears to have no name or face. “Who is this official?” Peiris asked. 

Commenting on the President calling the Election Commission for a meeting with him, Peiris said it is not acceptable as Wickremesinghe is also the leader of a party intending to contest in the upcoming poll.  Warning of an attempt to get the Chief Justice involved in the process, Peiris said the Chief Justice has no jurisdiction on the matter and cannot question the EC or review documentation belonging to it. Peiris noted that attempts to exert undue pressure on the EC is an offence under the penal code and is actionable in law. 

Peiris, highlighting the Government’s attempts to claim it does not have the necessary funds for the upcoming polls, said accepting such an excuse would lead to the demise of democracy in the country. “The President’s tenure ends in November next year. If the same excuse is given then, a President who has no mandate will be able to continue in power,” he said. “This cannot be accepted in a democratic country,” the MP added. 

Peiris said if the Government truly lacks funds as claimed it could do away with the 39 State ministerial posts and save the funds allocated to them in order to hold the elections. The MP said the tactics by the Government will not work and elections will definitely be held as scheduled.