September 08, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has expressed grave concerns regarding the misuse of public resources during the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential Election.
As of Wednesday (04) TISL has received 580 complaints, urging the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) to intervene decisively and ensure the election process remains fair and transparent.
TISL has flagged alarming reports of government vehicles, including those from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Sri Lanka Air Force, being employed for election campaign activities.
In pursuit of transparency, TISL has lodged Right to Information (RTI) requests with the relevant authorities, seeking full disclosure regarding the use of these public assets.
Another significant concern raised by TISL is the involvement of public officials, particularly senior officers who are legally barred from participating in political activities, actively engaging in election campaigning.
Some of these officers have been seen publicly supporting political parties, both in person and through social media platforms.
TISL has formally complained to the ECSL and the heads of the institutions involved, calling for these officials to be reconsidered for election-related duties to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
During a press briefing at TISL’s Nawala office, Executive Director Nadishani Perera highlighted several recent government initiatives that she suggested were politically motivated.
“The timing of decisions, such as writing off crop loans for farmers and incorporating school development officers into the teaching service, raises concerns. While we agree that these measures are beneficial, announcing them during an election campaign is a blatant misuse of power meant to sway the electorate,” she explained.
Ms. Perera urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid allowing their votes to be influenced by political manoeuvring.
“Candidates must understand that their behaviour during this election will define their leadership. The public is watching closely.”
TISL’s Programme for Protecting Public Resources also raised concerns about the ongoing misuse of government communication channels. Thushanie Kandilpana, National Coordinator for the programme, acknowledged the swift response of the ECSL to many complaints but insisted more needed to be done.
“We’ve seen persistent misuse of the President’s Media Division (PMD) for promoting a particular candidate. This type of conduct threatens the integrity of the election, and we call on the ECSL to step in without delay,” she emphasised.
Ms. Perera reiterated the importance of a fair electoral process for the future of Sri Lanka, saying, “The citizens’ ability to live in dignity, enjoy their rights, and secure economic stability depends on the integrity of this election. They deserve the chance to choose their leaders without undue influence.”
TISL has called upon citizens to report any further misuse of public resources via their dedicated website, www.apesalli.lk, or the hotline 0763223442. Vigilance from the public is seen as essential in preserving the fairness of the election and maintaining trust in Sri Lanka’s democratic process.
In conclusion, Senior Programme Manager, Gowriswaran Kirupairajah, called on both the public and the media to shine a spotlight on these issues and ensure that all actors involved in the election are held accountable for their actions during this critical time.
