TISL urges MR to revoke gazette notice calling military for civil administration
Friday, 5 December 2014 00:32
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Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) in a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged him to revoke the special gazette notification issued under the Public Security Ordinance to empower the security forces to maintain law and order and transfer the same to the Police.
As per the official announcement made by the Commissioner for Elections, a Presidential election will be held on 8 January 2015.
According to the Sri Lankan Constitution, civil administration must be safeguarded during an election period in order to carry out a free and fair election, TISL Executive Director S. Ranugge pointed out in his letter.
It also pointed out that all measures should be taken to strengthen the procedures and processes required to conduct the forthcoming elections freely and justly while affirming public peace and security island-wide.
Even though emergency regulations are not in effect at the moment the President calls upon the military every month to maintain law and order in all administrative districts under the Public Security Ordinance.
Certain administrative duties, which are generally performed by the Police are at times carried out by the military. However, the constant administration of the daily functions of the public can be a hindrance to the free movement of the people.
Thereby, the TISL urges the President to cancel the gazette notice calling the military for civil administration during elections and to allow the Police to carry out such tasks.
The TISL also pointed out that the Commissioner of Elections is entrusted with the power to call the military to oversee safety during the polls if required as per Constitutional provisions.
