The Election Commission (EC) has officially acknowledged that it sent a letter to the Secretary to the President, urging the President to refrain from making statements that could violate election laws during public rallies held in the lead-up to the Local Government Election.
Following public complaints regarding alleged violations in the President’s speeches at these rallies, the EC has also issued responses to the complainants, informing them of the actions taken.
According to a letter received by the United Republic Front (URF), the EC had communicated its concerns to the President’s Secretary on 19 April.
This confirmation comes after repeated denials by EC Chairman Ananda Rathnayake, Director General of Government Information Harsha Bandara and Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa who had earlier labeled relevant media reports ‘false’, suggesting that no such a letter had been sent.
However, this also raises concerns, as the EC Chairman had reportedly told two media outlets that a letter was sent to the President’s Secretary on 12 April, but later denied it when questioned by other media institutions. Meanwhile, letters received by complainants state that the letter to the President was sent on 19 April, prompting the question of whether this was a second reminder.
BY Methmalie Dissanayake
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