April 06, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections, all Secretaries of Ministries along with the heads of public institutions and statutory bodies have been summoned to attend a high-level meeting at the Election Secretariat.
The meeting, convened under the direction of R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, Chair of the National Election Commission, is expected to take place in the coming week.
The central focus of this assembly will be the enforcement of recently gazetted regulations designed to curb the misuse of state-owned assets and facilities during the election period.
These measures aim to ensure the integrity of the electoral process by preventing public resources from being exploited for partisan gain—a persistent concern in Sri Lankan political life.
In addition to resource management, the session will also address broader issues related to election preparedness. These include guidelines for civil servants, procedures for maintaining neutrality in government communication, and strategies for responding to electoral violations at the local level.
The Election Commission has expressed deep concern over recent developments, with six formal complaints lodged in just the past 24 hours regarding alleged breaches of electoral law. Amongst these was a report concerning the improper use of public assets, a matter now under review by the police.
The commission has been vocal in its calls for all government officers to strictly adhere to established election guidelines. It has also reiterated that public trust in democratic institutions depends heavily on the neutrality and transparency of state functionaries during the lead-up to polling day.
With the Local Government Election scheduled for May 06, 2025, the Commission is intensifying oversight to prevent electoral malpractice and bolster public confidence. This includes monitoring campaign activity, assessing the conduct of public officials, and investigating any credible allegations that may emerge.
