The Election Commission (EC) announced today (19 November) that the Gazette notification appointing Ravi Karunanayake as a National List MP for the New Democratic Front (NDF) is valid and cannot be reversed despite objections from coalition parties within the NDF.

EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, speaking to Asian Mirror, clarified that the controversy surrounding the nomination is an internal issue within the party.

"The EC has no role in this matter beyond following the procedure. We received a letter from the party secretary nominating Ravi Karunanayake as a National List MP. In accordance with that, we issued the Gazette notification. Any disputes within the party are their internal problem, and the Gazette will not be reversed," Rathnayake said.

He added that the party could seek legal redress if they wish to resolve the matter. "If the court issues an order to reverse the Gazette, we will act accordingly. Until then, the Gazette remains valid," he stated.

The remarks come amidst mounting tensions within the NDF over the nomination, with coalition partners expressing dissatisfaction over Karunanayake's nomination. 

Related news: NDF Internal Crisis Over Ravi Karunanayake's Nomination Deepens, Parties to Take Legal Action