TISL releases observations on misuse of public resources for Presidential poll

Saturday, 20 December 2014 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has released its latest observations on alleged misuse of public resources for the upcoming presidential elections. Following are TISL’s observations which have been communicated to the Elections Commissioner as well: Free distribution of mobile phone to pensioners The Ministry of Public Administration, The Pensions Department, Sri Lanka Youth and Mobitel have been jointly conducting a program where the distribution of free mobiles to pensioners has occurred. It has been claimed that the above program is a provision under the Mahinda Chinthana plan of action. It is our observation that at a time such as this when the presidential elections have been announced, actions such as this where three state departments are actively involved in, is merely a promotional tool to distribute gifts as incentives to a large group of people which would undoubtedly bring an unfair advantage to one party through the misuse of state funds. The above program has also received wide publicity through print and electronic media. Many ceremonious functions have been held across the country for this distribution and many more have been scheduled to be held in the future. Cabinet Ministers, Political representatives of the government and Divisional Secretaries have also attended these functions. It is evident that this is yet another segment of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s election campaign. Involvement of Government officials in functions involving the distribution of mobile phones One such function was held on the 13 December in the morning hours. It had been organised by the Anuradhapura Assistant Divisional Secretary under the directions of the Anuradhapura Divisional Secretary. Venerable Nugekange Panyananda; the chief incumbent of the Anuradhapura Sambuddha Jayanthi Viharaya , who also attended this function severely criticized the common opposition candidate Mr. Maithripala Sirisena and publicly requested the gathering to vote for Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. In protest of the above statements some pensioners had left the function having avoided the lunch that had been provided. During a similar event held in Matara Minister Ranjith Siyabalapitiya requested the gathering to vote for Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa as a sign of gratitude. Such illegal activities where even election officers have been involved is a blatant threat to the credibility of this election process. Hence we urge you to take the needed action to temporarily stop this program until the end of the election process. Establishment of illegal offices We have observed the setting up of numerous elections officers against the election law and the provisions presented in the circular issued by you. The example of Negombo where there are two offices situated besides the main road and another office built just 50 m away can be quoted as an example. Election offices have been set up in un-used buildings and barren blocks of land as well. Photographic evidence of the above will be duly submitted to you. Promotional activities conducted by Sri Lanka youth Sri Lanka youth operating under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development is directly involved in promotional activities of the UPFA. During the 11th and 12th of December the officials of the Sri Lanka Youth training center in Awisawella , Batangala had invited all youth officers across the country for a two day training on the process of conducting the promotional activities of the UPFA. This training was conducted under the auspices of the chairman of Sri Lanka Youth Mr. Lalith Piyum Perera. The participants had been instructed to gather a total of 100 young people from their respective areas in order to be trained in correctly carrying out the promotional campaigns of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha. As Sri Lanka Youth and its related officials are funded through public funds we urge you take appropriate measures in order to immediately halt such activities in future. Illegal display of cut-outs and banners Upon your instructions many Officers –In – Charge of the police have taken measures to take down these banners and cutouts. We commend the action taken by you. However cut-outs and large banners are still on display in the below mentioned locations and we urge you to take necessary measures with regards to this as well. 1) Peliyagoda Display of large cut-outs from the start of the Katunayake Express way. 2) Marawila The cut-out in display in front of the “Suhada” tyre center. 3) Halawata The display placed at the entrance into the Halawata town and other cutouts placed around the city. 4) Nochchiyagama The cut-out placed in the road in front of the “Samanala” Plc 5) Anuradhapura Cut-outs placed in front of the Anuradhapura SLTB bus depot and Jaffna Junction.