Police acting together with Elections Commission Chairman

• Sagala says stern action to be taken against those stirring up communal hatred for political mileage during polls

 The Police will do their utmost to ensure a free and fair election, under instructions from the Chairman of the Elections Commission, according to Law and Order and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka. 

“We will take stern action against those stirring up communal and racial sentiments through false propaganda, seeking political mileage during the election period,” he said 

The Minister made these remarks while speaking to the media after handing over nominations for several local government bodies in the Matara District. 

«This election will be a historic one. Therefore, we as a party have decided to set an example to other political groups. We have already instructed our candidates to refrain from resorting to violence. With the intention of carrying out an environmental-friendly election campaign, we have also advised them not to use polythene for election propaganda material. We also refrained from organising vehicle parades and other forms of processions during the nomination period,» the Minister said. 

«We have the utmost respect for election laws. At the same time, we want to urge activists and supporters of all political parties to show unity at the village level. We don’t have to be divided because of an election. We will turn this election into an opportunity to strengthen unity among all political parties at the grassroots level,» the Minister stated, adding that the Unity Government had ushered in a new political culture.