Awareness & Advocacy

Asia-Pacific Roundtable Discussion on Boundary Delimitation and Malapportionment

Awareness & Advocacy /

CMEV and the Election Commission of Sri Lanka collaboratively attended a roundtable discussion on boundary delimitation and malapportionment from 28 to 29 October 2023 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. International IDEA, Perludem, Bersih and Tindak Malaysia had jointly organized the roundtable with the objectives of identifying various forms and ways of the occurrence of malapportionment and gerrymandering in the countries in Asia-Pacific region and learning from each other good boundary delimitation practices, thus preventing malapportionment and gerrymandering. It was also expected to elaborate any possible recommendation to tackle malapportionment and gerrymandering issues and to discuss the role of election technology like ERA in promoting sound boundary delimitation processes in accordance with international principles and best practices. 30 participants representing all major democracies in Asia-Pacific attended the programs. Mr.D.M. Dissanayake, AAL, Chief of Operations of CMEV and Mr. Saman Sri Ratnayaka, Commissioner General of the Sri Lanka Election Commission represented Sri Lanka at the discussion and CMEV made a presentation on the history, process and practices of boundary delimitation in Sri Lanka. Following the two days’ discussion over issues and solutions, participants unanimously adopted the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Apportionment and Boundary Delimitation” which provides principles and recommendations with regard to apportionment, boundary delimitation, process and institution of delimitation. Please click here to read full declaration.

Asia-Pacific Roundtable Discussion on Boundary Delimitation and Malapportionment Read More »

The Award Ceremony of the Certificate Course on Election Observation for Prospective CMEV Monitors

Awareness & Advocacy /

205 participants who completed the Certificate Course on Election Observation received their awards on 23 October 2023 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. The course was conducted by the CMEV as an initiative to expand the horizon of election monitoring with innovative Digital technology. It is well accepted that the traditional methods of election monitoring are not able to cover some modern trends in election campaigns which can significantly affect the transparency of electoral democracy. One of the main components of this initiative was to make the monitoring process inclusive by giving more opportunities to youth, women and members of other marginalized communities following a comprehensive knowledge through the course. The course consisted of six modules covering every aspect of the election monitoring process and ran through six months. In parallel with the certificate course, CMEV introduced a new Digital Incident Reporting and Analyzing System (DIRAS) to be used in future election monitoring activities. All aspects of the CMEV’s monitoring process will be transferred to a digital platform with this new initiative. DIRAS will ensure no-timecoverage of election violence, malpractices and issues affecting electoral transparency. The certificate course on comprehensive election monitoring also included a module to develop digital skills for prospective CMEV observers with the purpose of improving them as emerging leaders to face any challenges related to digital democracy. The award ceremony was conducted in the presence of Hon. Michael Appleton, High Commissioner of New Zealand, Mr Saman Sri Rathnayake, Commissioner General of the Election Commission, Mr Chris Yonke, Resident Program Director, IRI, Dr Saravanamuttu, Udaya Kalupathirana, Co-convenors of CMEV and many other CSO representatives. This program was funded by the International Republican Institute under the Global Elections and Political Transition program.

The Award Ceremony of the Certificate Course on Election Observation for Prospective CMEV Monitors Read More »

Economic Recovery Hinges on inclusive Democracy: A strong call for action by the Civil Society Collective for Democracy.

Awareness & Advocacy /

The Civil Society Collective for Democracy, also known by its slogan ‘Stand for Democracy’, a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations, including civilsociety organizations, professionals, academics, trade unions, youth leaders, activists, media personnel, religious figures, and other influencers, convened today (2023.08.29) at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) to deliver a crucial wake-up call to the nation’s political leaders. The urgent call is to halt state repression and safeguard the democratic rights of the people, in order to ensure actual and equitable economic recovery. The Civil Society Collective expresses deep concern over the rapid shrinking of democratic space within the country, with Constitutionally guaranteed rights andfreedoms such as the freedom of expression, right to information, right to dissent, right to protest, freedom of association and the right to franchise being snatchedaway, leaving citizens often powerless. This surge in silencing voices and the targeting and harassment of those who question the authorities, have created achilling effect among the people, leading to self-censorship. Furthermore, the rulers have been abusing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)and the contentious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target political opponents, civil society activists, and journalists, contrary to international commitments,including those made at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The recent attempts to introduce extremely oppressive versions of laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Act, Broadcasting Commission Act and the NGO Act are examples of Government’s attempt to threaten and control democratic space. Full statement (Sinhala/Tamil/English) – Download

Economic Recovery Hinges on inclusive Democracy: A strong call for action by the Civil Society Collective for Democracy. Read More »

CMEV with Youths in Kantale – Trincomalee District

Awareness & Advocacy /

On 13 August 2023, CMEV conducted an awareness-raising discussion on citizens ’rights andparticipatory democracy with a group of youths at Kanthale. The program had organized by NationalCollaboration Development Foundation (NCDF) in collaboration with Kanthale Youth Centre.In the first half of the discussion, Mr. D.M. Dissanayake AAL, discussed the meaning of nationality andthe different ways of people can get nationality in a country. It also discussed the rights and benefits acitizen receives being acquiring nationality in a county and the ways of exercising sovereign powers as acitizen of a country.In the second half the discussion was focused on participation in the democratic process, mainly inelections, as a citizen of a nation and the responsibility of correctly exercising voting right. Mr.Dharmasiri Nanayakkara, former Deputy Commissioner of Local Governments in Western Provinceexplained to the participants how Local Government System is developed to increase people’sparticipation and its gaps. Mr Dharmasiri pointed out that the increase in women’s representation inLocal Government Bodies has led to bringing cultural and attitudinal change in such public institutions.Around 53 participants including 43 youths attended the discussion.

CMEV with Youths in Kantale – Trincomalee District Read More »

CMEV goes to Citizens

Awareness & Advocacy /

CMEV goes to Citizens Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) conducted a series of citizen awareness discussions in Galle and Matara Districts from July 26 – 28, 2023. The objective of the program was to increase the understanding of women, youth, Persons with Disabilities and other members of other marginalized groups of their citizenry rights and duties in a democratic society. During 3 days, 7 discussions were conducted in highly remote locations in two districts with the participation of 480 individuals. It was highlighted that exercising the powers of sovereignty is an unrelinquishable right and sensible use of their voting rights in elections would be the fundamental solution for all present catastrophes. The discussions were facilitated by Mr. Dharmasiri Nanayakkara, former Local Government Commissioner, Colombo District, Ms. Sriyanie Wijesundara, Senior Researcher CPA, Mr. D.M.Dissanayake AAL , Chief of Operation – CMEV and Mr. A.M.N Victor , National Coordinator – CMEV. The program was organized by Mr. Dilan Wijesekara, Field Coordinator – CMEV and Ms. Anula Deegala, District Coordinator – CMEV. 26 – Neluwa – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid04iZFywcn7tRQArzdgg5Hx6ZQ2Q5BVJ1azP2wAfYNCQi5Ns2Mo5RYNui1gNxYXaDRl 26 – Tawalama – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid02U6cpEUuG6882ziXn1LTuxbZLT4h8QW5P3LNmxAowa26GLTDL2z5qLxWLQe1TEs9al 27 – Matara – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid02DA32F5SVdukFxmyNH2peAAmuSK78GiyeKjnCcYcoSd7o6APmFuZsGdGHUBWo5jXsl 27 – Pitabaddara – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid02F5yZcp3VDakgRMpfcNdy1o1Myyi2hMFGVA5ozsBJ7zKBMQZaJFtEwtsNB1u1pXufl 27 – Yakkalamulla – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid0nLY8vwvEe7NYXDFwNtvPumfnRdX8czabTrWYCa6tWaw5A7nsM6QJfotRbZ3pZ8fYl 28 – Malimbada – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid0nipHb4FABiEEAdTn1UZ3iDX3HPwAdaQa2SSyDzj2hth93gxYtSUR7XeR5VpDphDCl 28 – Kamburupitiya – https://www.facebook.com/cmevsl/posts/pfbid0vRhn2Ncw5D15SNzQkxvP2K4E8hoktt36vWt23hjn36ppMF89qm4mKPP4Cr98tZqDl #CMEV #DEMOCRACY #ELECTIONS #Citizens

CMEV goes to Citizens Read More »

Publicity Campaign on Election Campaign Expenses Regulations

Awareness & Advocacy, Campaign Finance Regulation /

CMEV launched a publicity campaign on the newly introduced Election Campaign Expenses Regulation from Ratnapura and Balangoda towns. The objective of the campaign was to make citizens aware of new regulations to limit election campaign expenditure with the support of women, youth and PWD groups. The campaign included public announcements, street dramas, video shows, banner displays and leaflet dissemination.  Ratnapura and Balangoda publicity events received a high public attraction. This program is expected to cover around 20 cities in Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern provinces.  Ratnapura Event 01 video – https://fb.watch/iO7CfYYhPL/ Ratnapura Event 02 video – https://fb.watch/iO7AvZDIMJ/

Publicity Campaign on Election Campaign Expenses Regulations Read More »

Publicity campaign on Campaign and Political Finance

Awareness & Advocacy, Campaign Finance Regulation /

Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) will be conducting a Publicity campaign from 19th of February 2023 onwards on Campaign and Political Finance in order to make awareness among the general public about campaign and political finance for the empowerment of inclusive democracy in Sri Lanka. Interactive awareness sessions , Leaflet distributions and public dramas will be conducted on selected cities throughout the Island. The public will be made aware of the importance of regulation of campaign finance and also the newly enacted act on Regulation of Election expenditure. 19th of February – Rathnapura & Balangoda 20th of February – Badulla & Bandarawela 21st of February – Nuwaraeliya & Kotagala 25th of February – Galle , Mathara , Puttalam & Kalpitiya 26th of February – Hambantota, Vavuniya , Mullaitivu & Kilinochchi 27th of February – Negombo , Jaffna  &  Chavakachcheri 01st of March – Batticaloa & Kattankudy 02nd of March – Colombo

Publicity campaign on Campaign and Political Finance Read More »

Conference on newly enacted Election Campaign Finance Regulations Act

Leave a Comment / Awareness & Advocacy, Campaign Finance Regulation, Events /

Centre for Monitoring Election Violence together with Transparency International Sri Lanka conducted a conference on newly enacted Election Campaign Finance Regulations act with the participation of civil society representatives , Social and Political Activists and other interested parties. Hon Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha ( Ministry of Justice ,Prison and constitutional reforms ) ,Mr Anthony Banbury (President and CEO of IFES) Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (Co-Converner-CMEV) ,Mr Mahinda Deshapriya (Chairmen ,NDC)  , Ms Sankhitha Gunarathne (Deputy Excecutive Director – TISL) were the keynote speakers while Mr Saman Sri Ratnayaka ( Commissioner General – EC) , Ms Silja Pasilinna (Chief of Party, IFES) Mohamed Ziyad(TISL), Hareendra Banagala AAL, Anuradha Kandanage AAL,joined the panel discussion which was facilitated by Mr Luwie Ganeshathasan. Mr Saman Sri Ratnayaka revealed that the above act will be in power from this election onwards where the individuals and the parties will have to disclose their audited election expense reports to the elections commission. Mr Deshapriya emphasized on the fact of importance of using a digitalized platform to collect above data and also appreciated the efforts of the former and current election commissions and civil societies for their efforts on making this bill a reality. Minister Wijeyadasa Rakapakshe mentioned that the government did not have any intention of using this bill to postpone the elections while they are looking forward to bring in more amendments to the elections act in order to strengthen the election finance regulation laws. It was highlighted on the importance of the engagement of public and activists in order to keep improving the newly enacted act to ensure the atmosphere for fair elections.

Conference on newly enacted Election Campaign Finance Regulations Act Read More »

GEWG Appeals to Political Parties to Nominate Women to Contest Local Council Elections

Awareness & Advocacy, Interviews, Press Conference /

CMEV together with the Gender and Election Working Group(GEWG) conducted a press conference on 09 January 2023 to request all political parties to ensure better representation and safer participation for women in Local Government Elections. D.M. Dissanayake, Chief of Operation, CMEV stated that Sri Lanka is still considered a country with a lower women’s representation in politics according to the world classification in 2022 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Global Gender Gap index in 2021. Still, the 25% women quota introduced in 2017 has not been able to fulfil the expected participation of women in politics. Ms Kanaka Abeygunawaradana, Convener of the GEWG pointed out that women’s representation is still limited to the legal requirement of the nomination process. Most of the women who contested in the last LG elections entered into politics as they were relatives of male politicians or close friends of party officials. She urged all political parties to give priority to active and capable women at the village level to include in nomination lists.  Ms Abeygunawardana further emphasized that political parties should take necessary actions to prevent any illegal, unethical and seriously flawed practices such as asking for sexual bribes, support for some other male candidates’ campaigns or resigning after the election to give the seat to a senior person/male in the party. Ms Nalini Rathnarajah, a member of the GEWG, pointed out various forms Gender Based Violence that take place during the time of the election. Ms Nanda Kumarihami represented Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) emphasized the issues persons with disabilities face within the electoral process and the importance of electoral systems and processes being inclusive and responsive to their needs and requirements. She addressed the press conference with the sign language facility. 

GEWG Appeals to Political Parties to Nominate Women to Contest Local Council Elections Read More »

Training for Youth, Women and Members of Other
Marginalized Communities on Regulating Political Finance
for the Empowerment of Inclusive Democratic Process in
Sri Lanka

Awareness & Advocacy, Events /

Centre for Monitoring Election Violence and Janavaboda Kendraya conducted a one-day discussion with youths, women and members of PWD organisations on the impact of the unavailability of Campaign Finance regulations for women, youth and PWDs participation in politics on November 19, 2022, at Janavaboda Kendraya. Empowering youth, women and PWDs for advocacy campaigns on regulating campaign finance was the main objective of the discussion. Mr Jayantha Dehiattage AAL and DM Dissanayake, Chief of Operation at CMEV were facilitators of the discussion.  

Training for Youth, Women and Members of Other
Marginalized Communities on Regulating Political Finance
for the Empowerment of Inclusive Democratic Process in
Sri Lanka Read More »

ස්වේච්ඡා ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදී ප්‍රවර්ධකයෙකු වී මැතිවරණ අධ්‍යයන පාඨමාලාවකට ඇතුල්වන්න

Awareness & Advocacy, Documents /

මැතිවරණ අධ්‍යයන හා ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රිවාදය බලගැන්වීම පිළිබඳ සහතිකපත්‍ර පාඨමාලාවක් සඳහාමැතිවරණ ප්‍රචණ්ඩ ක්‍රියා නිරීක්ෂණ මධ්‍යස්ථානය (CMEV) ඒ සඳහා උනන්දුවක් ඇති තරුණ තරුණියන්ගෙන් අයදුම්පත් කැඳවනු ලැබේ. තරඟකාරී තෝරාගැනීමේ ක්‍රම වේදයකින් පසු තරුණ තරුණියන් 240 දෙනෙකුට නොමිලයේ මෙම පාඨමාලාව හැදෑරීමට අවස්ථාව හිමිවනු ඇත. උනන්දුවක් දක්වන අයදුම්කරුවන්ට පහත QR කේතයෙන් හෝ ඉහත දක්වා ඇති සබැඳියෙන් ප්‍රවේශ වී ගූගල් පෝරමය පුරවා හෝ පිටු 2 ක් නොයික්මවන ජීව දත්ත සටහන සහ සංක්‍ෂිප්ත කැමැත්ත ප්‍රකාශ කිරීමේ ලිපියක් පහත ඊ මේල් ලිපිනයට 2022 සැප්තැම්බර් 30 දිනට පෙර එවීමෙන් අයදුම් කළ හැක. පහත ක්‍රම තුලින් අයදුම් කරන්න ගූගල් පෝරමය සබැඳිය: https://forms.gle/br97hfKc2nAudbxw5 විද්‍යුත් තැපෑල: cmev@cpalanka.org වෙත යොමු කරන්න

ස්වේච්ඡා ප්‍රජාතන්ත්‍රවාදී ප්‍රවර්ධකයෙකු වී මැතිවරණ අධ්‍යයන පාඨමාලාවකට ඇතුල්වන්න Read More »

ஜனநாயகத்தை உயர்த்தும் ஒரு தொண்டராய், தேர்தல் பாடநெறிகள் தொடர்பான ஒரு கற்கைநெறியினை பெற்றிட

Archives, Awareness & Advocacy, Documents /

தேர்தல் வன்முறைகளைக் கண்காணிப்பதற்கான நிலையத்தினால்(CMEV), தேர்தல் பாடநெறிகள் மற்றும் ஜனநாயகத்தை வலுப்படுத்தல் தொடர்பான சான்றிதழ் கற்கைநெறியில் இணைந்து கொள்ளவதற்கு ஆர்வமுள்ள இளையோரிடமிருந்து விண்ணப்பங்கள் வரவேற்படுகின்றன. போட்டித்தெரிவு முறைமையினூடாக தெரிவுசெய்யப்படும் 240 விண்ணப்பதாரிகள் இக் கற்கைநெறியினை இலவசமாகவே கற்றுக்கொள்ளமுடியும் ஆர்வமுள்ள விண்ணப்பதாரிகள் மேலுள்ள இணைப்பினூடாக(Link) அல்லது விரைவுஎதிர்வினை குறி(QR Code) இனூடாக கூகுள்-படிவத்தை(Google Form) அணுகி அல்லது இரண்டு பக்கங்களுக்கு மேற்படாத சுயவிபரக்கோவையினை ஒரு குறுகிய முகப்புக் கடித்தத்துடன்(short cover letter) கீழே குறிப்பிட்டுள்ள மின்னஞ்சல் முகவரிக்கு புரட்டாதி மாதம் 30ஆந் திகதி, 2022 க்கு முன்னர் அனுப்பி வைக்கும்படி வேண்டப்படுகிறார்கள். கூகுள்-படிவத்தை அணுகுவதற்கு: https://forms.gle/br97hfKc2nAudbxw5 இரண்டு பக்கங்களுக்கு மேற்படாத சுயவிபரக்கோவையினை ஒரு குறுகிய முகப்புக் கடித்தத்துடன் cmev@cpalanka.org

ஜனநாயகத்தை உயர்த்தும் ஒரு தொண்டராய், தேர்தல் பாடநெறிகள் தொடர்பான ஒரு கற்கைநெறியினை பெற்றிட Read More »

Be a Volunteer to Promote Democracy and Earn a Course on Electoral Study

Archives, Awareness & Advocacy, Documents /

Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) calls for applications from Interested youth to participate in a certificate course on Electoral Studies and Democracy Empowerment. Following a competitive selection process, the course will be offered free of charge for selected 240 participants. Interested candidates are requested to scan below QR code or Click the link at the top to access the google form or send a CV not exceeding two pages and a short cover letter to the following email address before September 30, 2022. Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/br97hfKc2nAudbxw5 Email : cmev@cpalanka.org

Be a Volunteer to Promote Democracy and Earn a Course on Electoral Study Read More »

Way out from the Current Political, Economic and Social Crisis through the constitution and electoral Reforms  

Awareness & Advocacy /

CMEV Conducted a half-day program to discuss the Way out of the current political, economic and social crisis through the constitution and electoral reforms on 31st May 2020 at Hotel Janaki, Colombo. The program consisted of 3 Panel Discussions with distinguished experts in the field.  The 1st-panel held on the topic of “Where does Sri Lanka lie at the present politically, socially and economically.” The panel consisted of Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director, CPA, Prof. Camena Gunaratna, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, OUSL and Dr Pradeep Peiris, Department of Political Science and Public Policy, University of Colombo. The discussion was moderated by Mr. D.M.Dissanayake AAL.  The 2nd-panel discussion was about the 21st Amendment to the constitution as a solution for the present political crisis. The panel was chaired by Ms. Chathurika Akurugoda AAL, Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo and  Mr. Luwie Ganeshathasan AAL. The 3rd-panel discussion was conducted on ” People’s mandate to recall their elected representatives – Constitution Vs. Public Demand”. Mr. H.R.P Peiris, Additional Commissioner (NEC), Mr. Jayantha Dehiattage AAL and Mr. Sudarashana Gunawardana were members of the expert panel and Mr. D.M. Dissanayake AAL moderated the discussion.  More than 40 Civil society leaders, activists and youths participated in the program. 

Way out from the Current Political, Economic and Social Crisis through the constitution and electoral Reforms   Read More »

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