September 05, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan Election Commission has voiced concerns over the government’s recent decision to raise public sector salaries, describing it as a calculated attempt to influence the forthcoming presidential election.
Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, questioned the timing of the move, arguing that the salary increase should not have been introduced so close to the election.
Speaking to media, Ratnayake highlighted that the government’s decision raises questions about its motivation, given that it delayed the announcement until just before the election.
“It is inappropriate to implement such a measure now, considering the electoral process is already in motion,” he noted, implying that the salary hike could be viewed as a means of promoting a particular candidate.
Election monitors have echoed similar sentiments, with organisations like PAFFREL (People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections) expressing dissatisfaction over the timing of the decision.
In a letter addressed to the Election Commission Chairman, PAFFREL accused the government of manipulating the situation to gain electoral advantage. The group pointed out that the government had ignored previous demands from public sector employees for a Rs. 10,000 pay increase, a request that had been overlooked in the past months.
PAFFREL’s letter stressed that while they are not opposed to raising public sector wages, their main concern is the timing of the announcement.
“The announcement comes just one day before postal voting begins,” the group highlighted, indicating that this could undermine the fairness of the election process.
The Election Commission and monitoring groups continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the government to refrain from actions that could be seen as politically motivated during this critical election period.
