Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has issued a stern warning to presidential candidates regarding election spending limits. At a recent event in Kandy, He said that candidates exceeding the legally permitted spending limit per voter face severe penalties. These consequences include the potential loss of their position and a three-year revocation of civil rights, as determined by the courts.

Ratnayake elaborated on the enforcement of election expenditure regulations outlined in Gazette No. 03 of 2023. He highlighted the long-standing requirement since 1947 for candidates to submit asset and liability statements within 31 days after the election. Failure to comply, or submitting false information, is punishable by law.

New legislation also mandates that candidates submit detailed income and expenditure reports to the Election Commission within 21 days of the election. These reports will be publicly accessible through newspaper advertisements and online platforms.
He also said that discrepancies in these reports can lead to public complaints and legal actions.