The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of making a statement that allegedly encouraged election campaigning during the legally mandated silent period.

In a letter dated 5 May and addressed to the Chairman of the Election Commission, PAFFREL’s Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi claimed that the Prime Minister made the controversial statement at a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally held in Thelawala, Moratuwa, on 3 May—just hours before the silent period began at midnight.

PAFFREL said it had received complaints from the public regarding the statement and observed that such remarks could amount to inciting a violation of electoral law.

“The encouragement to campaign during the silent period is not only a disregard for election regulations but also a serious blow to the culture of clean and fair politics we are trying to build,” Hettiarachchi noted in the letter.

The organisation urged the Commission to conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action, citing concerns over the impact such behaviour could have on the integrity of the upcoming Local Government Election.

The silent period, which begins at midnight following the official end of campaigning, is intended to allow voters to reflect on their choices free from political influence.