The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced its intention to initiate legal proceedings against candidates who failed to submit their income and expenditure reports for the 2024 General Election.
In a statement released yesterday (7), the Commission revealed that it had directed all District Election Offices to finalize and submit files concerning these non-compliant candidates to the Police. This measure aims to facilitate prompt legal action.
The decision follows repeated failures by certain candidates to comply with the mandatory requirement to submit financial reports, despite the extended deadlines. According to the Election Expenditure Regulation Act, all candidates—whether representing political parties, independent groups, or included in national lists—must submit their income and expenditure reports to their respective Election Commission offices.
The Election Commission stated that preparations are underway to file cases next week against five Presidential election candidates who have similarly failed to meet the reporting requirements. This follows prior legal action already initiated against seven other Presidential candidates for the same offense.
The Commission emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Act, which grants it the authority to take legal measures against candidates who fail to adhere to these financial disclosure obligations. It also reiterated the importance of compliance to uphold transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
