Press Releases

Civilians attacked

Photos, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

CMEV received a complaint from Rev Ampitiye Sumanaratna Thero that a group of civilians protested that their voting rights should be ensured. They attempted to submit a petition to the President in this regard and allege that they were attacked by the Police at around 6.30 p.m. on the 19th December 2014 in front of the Batticaloa Police Station. A group of Buddhist priests led by Rev Ampitiye Sumanaratna Thero and group of Sinhalese resettled in Keviliyamaduwa village in Batticaloa District had tried to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksha after the meeting held at Hindu College in Batticaloa on the 19th of December with the purpose of submitting a petition demanding their voting rights and a few other basic facilities. They have repeatedly requested permission to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksha. According to Rev Ampitiye Sumanaratne Thero, a request that was rejected by the police. When they tried to reach the location, irrespective of Police permission they were attacked brutally. One of the members of the group had been stripped naked and a few others have been attacked by the Police. Four members including a pregnant women have been admitted to the Teaching Hospital in Batticaloa according to the report made by Sumanaratne Thero to CMEV. Ven Sumanaratna Thero said to CMEV that they are not in a position to make any complaint at any Police Station as the perpetrators are Police officers themselves. He further said that they are very helpless at this time and do not know what to do next. Download a PDF of this press release here.

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Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014: Communiqué on Post-Election Violence

Media reports, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Download this PR as a PDF here. ### 25 September 2014: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has been informed of 9 incidents of violence after the conclusion of the Uva Provincial Council elections held on 20th September 2014. The incidents reported to CMEV include incidents where UPFA supporters were involved in making threats to and/or damaging property of opposition candidates (particularly JVP and UNP). CMEV is concerned with the ongoing violence and the lack of accountability for it, which denotes the prevailing culture of impunity. Although the Department of Police claimed to have a strict security apparatus to deal with post-election violence, these measures have been insufficient to deal with the violence that has erupted. Subsequent to the outbreak of post-election violence, the Police took action to deploy additional officers to neutralise the situation. It is evident that due to this action further violence was prevented and communities who feared an escalation of violence, reassured that this would not be the case. These incidents highlight the need for pre-empting post-election violence and taking necessary measures to prevent such situations. CMEV is especially concerned by the incidents that transpired in Mahiyanganaya. A significant number of incidents were reported from the day of nominations to the post-election period. All three independent election observer organisations: CMEV, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) and People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), issued a joint statement highlighting these concerns.  Following pre-election violence that transpired in Mahiyanganaya, the Election Commissioner, at a meeting held on the 10th September requested that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) takes necessary measures to respond to the situation and to take pre-emptive measures against any outbreak of violence. The IGP thereafter deployed 30 STF personnel to the area. CMEV learns that the STF personnel were withdrawn a day prior to the election redeployed on Election Day and withdrawn once more soon after the election. These measures are contrary to what the IGP agreed to at the meeting convened by the Election Commissioner on 10th September where he gave an undertaking that the Uva province DIG would provide security to opposition parties and take steps to prevent violence in the remainder of the campaign, on Election day and the post – election period. CMEV condemns continuing violence and urges all law enforcement agencies and political party leaders to take necessary measures to prevent further violence and to take action against those who are involved in and complicit in such violence. Following are some of the incidents recorded by CMEV in the post-election period:  Attack on the residence of JVP Provincial Council candidate The residence of JVP Uva Provincial Council candidate P. P. G. Wijesiri was attacked by an unidentified group at 12.30 a.m on the 22nd September. The said residence is located at Singhasiripura, Madurukatiya, Kumbukkana in Moneragala District. Subsequent to switching off street lights, the attackers shattered three windows and partially damaged a room. Mr. Wijesiri has lodged a complaint (No. 51) regarding the incident with the Moneragala Police. When contacted by CMEV, the Moneragala Police Division- Election Operation Centre confirmed that the incident was recorded. Attack on UNP Provincial Council candidate Roy Kalinga, former opposition leader of Wellawaya Pradeshiya Sabha and candidate of the UNP for the Uva Provincial Council, was assaulted by an unidentified group using clubs at his residence in Athili-wewa, Dambarawa, Wellawaya on the 22nd September. The group arrived in 2 white defender vehicles at 2 a.m and also attacked his vehicles. He was subsequently admitted to the Sirigala hospital in Moneragala and is being treated at ward No. 02 (photos available).  The hospital confirmed that 2 persons were admitted and the condition of Mr. Kalinga is not serious. Mr. Kalinga’s spouse lodged a complaint (No. 52) on the incident with the Wellawaya police. When contacted, Moneragala Police Division- Election Operation Centre confirmed that the incident was recorded. Attack on the residence of JVP Provincial Council candidate’s father The residence belonging to the father of JVP Provincial Council candidate W. M. A. K Wickramasinghe Bandara was attacked by an identified group at 12.45 a.m on the 22nd September. The residence is located at Obbegoda, Dambagalla, in Moneragala District. When contacted by CMEV, Mr. Bandara claimed that the attack was due to his father’s involvement in his election campaign. The Moneragala Police Division- Election Operation Centre confirmed that the incident was recorded as complaint No. 53. Attack on UNP Pradeshiya Sabha member UNP member of Hali-Ela Pradeshiya Sabha, Chandana Ranmuthugala was assaulted allegedly by UPFA supporters, identified by Mr. Ranmuthugala as Nihal and Jayaweredana. The incident occurred on the 20th September when Mr. Ranmuthugala was on his way to the Badulla counting center close to the Lunugalla polling center. Mr. Ranmuthugala was admitted to ward No. 9 in Badulla hospital. A complaint regarding the incident has been made to the Badulla Police. Attack on UNP supporter R.M. Gunathilaka, supporter of UNP Provincial Council candidate Harin Fernando, was assaulted at his residence at midnight  on the 20th September subsequent to threats made at 7 p.m allegedly by a group of persons led by vice chairman (UPFA) of Badulla Pradeshiya Sabha. A complaint regarding the incident has been made to the Badulla Police. Attack on the vehicle of UNP Provincial Council candidate Following news that the UNP party office in Hali Ela was set on fire, UNP Provincial Council candidate Harin Fernando and supporters were rushing to the area when an armed, unidentified group stoned the vehicle convoy. The incident took place around 5 p.m on 22nd September when the convoy was passing Hali Ela junction. 3 vehicles were damaged in the incident but no casualties were reported. A spokesperson for Mr. Fernando claimed that the Badulla Police took almost 2 hours to take the complaint. The situation subsided without further violence or damage caused by the sharp weapons that were carried by the mob, due to the Police being deployed to disperse the mob. The incident took place in an area with a heavy Muslim

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Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 3

Press Releases, Press Reports, Situation Updates /

Download this report in Tamil here. ### 20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Election day saw a high number of voters in both the Badulla and  Moneragala districts. News reports quoting election officers reported voter turnout at 50% in the Badulla district and 44% in the Moneragala district at midday. In the 2009 Uva Provincial Council election, 70.03% of the registered votes were polled. Although official confirmation of the final voter turnout of today’s poll is not available at the time of writing, mid-day news reports indicate participation could be at similar levels. The following table highlights incidents as reported by the Police on Election Day.   The day was marked with 6 major incidents, which included assault, threats and intimidation. These included the use of firearms and dangerous weapons. One incident occurred within the premises of the Bandarawela police station. There were however no reported arrests at the time of writing. It has to be noted that there were no reports of incidents of murder or grievous hurt on Election Day. However there was widespread abuse of state resources and violation of election law that occurred in the lead up to the polls and on Election Day. CMEV was concerned about issues related to the presentation of identification documents that could impact the exercise of the franchise. As a result, CMEV responded positively to the request by the Elections Commissioner to support mobile clinics organized by the Department of Elections to issue special identity cards in the Badulla district. Some key trends from polling day include: The heavy presence of politicians across parties and their supporters from outside of the Uva Province, was evident in both the Badulla and Moneragala districts. Several serious incidents reported allegedly involved UPFA politicians and their supporters from outside the Uva province. The overwhelming majority of ‘major incidents’ on polling day were reported from the Badulla District. A majority of election law violations, including transporting voters to polling stations were reported from the Moneragala district. All physical attacks reported to CMEV were attacks against politicians and party cadre. Intimidation and pressuring of voters was used to either influence or prevent voting. Illegal campaigning (graffiti/posters and other propaganda material/vehicles bearing names and/or preference numbers of candidates) was regularly seen near polling stations as well as elsewhere, despite the 13,000 police personnel deployed. Voters were not allowed to cast their ballot on account of non-possession of polling cards. Methodology: CMEV records incidents of murder, attempted murder, assault, abduction, arson, robbery, grievous hurt and threats and intimidation and ‘major’ incidents while damage to property, threats, mischief and violation of election law are recorded as ‘minor’ incidents.

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 3 Read More »

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 2

Press Releases, Press Reports, Situation Updates /

20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Voting in the Uva Provincial Council election closed at 4 p.m. Further incidents reported during the polling period are detailed below. Download this as a PDF here. Sinhala version here and Tamil version here. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Bandarawela Polling division.  According to UNP MP Harsha De Silva a group of UNP supporters were travelling from Diyatalawa to Bandarawela when a group of people had disembarked from a white van that had blocked their path. The Coordinating Secretary of UNP Candidate Harin Fernando, Mr. Premasiri was assaulted by Southern Provincial Council Minister D.V Upul using the blunt side of a sword. Eyewitnesses also allege that the attackers fired several shots into the air. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Athili Wewa Maha Viduhala. UPFA Moneragala election operation unit lodged a complaint with CMEV that UNP candidate Roy Kalinga contesting under the preference number 17, together with about 25 of his supporters, threatened a UPFA supporter not to cast his vote. The UPFA alleged that the Police refused to accept the complaint. However when contacted by CMEV, Wellawaya Police stated that the complaint was accepted as Complaint number 48 at 9.15 a.m On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, St. James Tamil Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported voter Padmanathan Yogaratnam was assaulted with a knife, approximately 200 meters from the polling station when he arrived to cast his vote. The perpetrator – allegedly a JVP supporter according to the victim’s brother- was identified as Shanmuganathan and was allegedly involved in an altercation with the injured on the previous day. The injured was admitted to the Badulla Base Hospital. Upon inquiries from the hospital, CMEV was informed that a person with the name Pathmanathan Yogaratnam was admitted to ward 8. The hospital however refused to divulge any further information. The CMEV field monitor’s attempts to contact the hospital director for more details were unsuccessful. The Badulla base hospital police informed CMEV that this incident was a personal dispute, unrelated to election violence.  CMEV has been informed by the injured person’s brother that this is an election related incident. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Wellassa. A hotel owned by H. A. Dushan who maintained a UNP party office opposite the Wellassa Jathika Pasala, was attacked by about 30 individuals who arrived in 5 vehicles. CMEV field monitors visited the location and were informed by witnesses that an unidentified group stormed into the hotel and assaulted 3 individuals including the aforementioned. Eye-witnesses alleged that the attackers fled the scene upon arrival of the Police. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Moneragala Mariarawa Maha Viduhala Polling Station. A complaint has been lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that two UPFA representatives at the Mariarawa polling station were denied access to the premises. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Haputalle, Pitarathmala, Bandarewela/ Junior Tamil School Polling Station. A CMEV field monitor reported that at about 2 p.m a three – wheeler -bearing registration number UP. VK 3519 depicting the preference number of Mr. Agalan Sendil Thondaman (No. 02) and UPFA election symbol, was parked 50 meters from the polling station for a significant period of time. When the CMEV field monitor made inquiries from the three -wheeler driver, he revealed that in the lead up to the election date he was paid Rs. 1000 per day by the supporters of Mr. Sendil Thondaman for displaying the sticker and Rs. 1500 was offered for today (20th of September) by the same people. The three-wheeler driver further stated that similar offers were made to many other vehicles. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station.  CMEV field monitors reported that campaign material was scattered outside Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station (centre 26/27) depicting the number 15 and the betel leaf symbol – the preference number of Mr. Manamendra Patabedige Leelasena (photographic evidence is available) and the UPFA symbol, respectively. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Okkampitiya Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported a vehicle bearing stickers with number 9 in yellow on a blue background, parked outside the polling station with the registration plate number WP KH-3434 (photographic evidence is available). On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, District Vocational Training Centre Rockhill Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported propaganda material including preference numbers 17, 9 and 7 and the UPFA election symbol were discovered on the ground close to the polling station. The above preference numbers refer to UPFA candidates Manel Rathnayake, R. M. Nimal Rathnayake, and Arther Chamara Sampath Dasanayake Don respectively. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla district, Hali-Ela, Wewalginna Vidyalaya polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported a group of about 5 youths were speaking to the voters within a radius of 100 meters from the polling station telling them to vote for UPFA candidate Mr. Ajith Deshapriya contesting under the preference number 03. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Bibile Nagala, Moneragala Nagala Piyarathana Kanitu Viduhala. A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that the Senior Polling Officer has notified disabled persons that they will not be afforded the opportunity to cast their vote. The UPFA Party Office is reported to have made a complaint to the Elections Commissioner. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Wellawaya, Kiri-ibban Wewa Bandaranayake Secondary School.  A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with CMEV that a group of persons used a white van to transport voters to the Kiribath wewa Bandaranayake secondary school polling center, close to Kiri-ibban Ara Mawara Bridge. They further alleged that the persons in the van were waving red flags. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala district, Bibile, Mada Gama, Moneragala Bibilamulla Kanitu Viduhala Polling Station. A complaint was lodged by the UPFA Party Office with the CMEV field monitor, reporting that

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 2 Read More »

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 1

Press Releases, Press Reports, Situation Updates /

20 September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Voting in the Uva Provincial Council election commenced today, 20th September 2014. This election is the latest in the current cycle of Provincial Council elections held in four phases over two years. In total 942,730 registered voters are registered to vote at 834 polling stations in the 3 polling divisions of the Moneragala district and the 9 in the Badulla District. Download this update in Sinhala here, and in Tamil here. Turnout Voting began at 7 a.m. By 1.00 p.m in the Badulla district voter turnout was recorded at 50% and in the Moneragala district at 45% by noon. During the previous Provincial Council election in 2009, the total voter turnout was 68.69% and 70.73% in the Moneragala and Badulla districts, respectively. Incidents On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Passara, Gonagala Maha Vidyalaya, Gonagala Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a graffiti depicting the number 18 and the betel leaf symbol had been drawn on the road in front of the polling station. It is noted that the graffiti indicated the election symbol of the UPFA and the preference number of Mr. Vadivel Suresh, who is the organizer for the Passara electorate. (Photographic evidence is available) On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Moneragala District, Moneragala, Horambuwa, Moneragala Horambuwa Kanitu Viduhala Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that from around 7 a.m, a bus bearing registration number ND-6622 was used to transport voters to the Horambuwa Kanitu Viduhala polling station. Furthermore the bus was used to provide transport to employees of the Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha. CMEV field monitors report that UPFA Moneragala District candidate Shashindra Rajapaksa’s name was displayed prominently on the said bus. This narration of the incident was corroborated by an employee of the Pradeshiya Sabha, who was a passenger on the bus. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Haputale, Glananor Tamil Kanishta Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a group of about 15 UPFA (CWC) supporters approached voters and  asked them to cast their vote according to a model ballot paper that had marked numbers 2, 11, and 12 against the UPFA election symbol. The incident is reported to have taken place within a 100 meter radius of the polling station and the group had exerted particular pressure on women voters in this regard. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Mahiyanganaya, Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that a group of people wearing blue t-shirts were distributing refreshments to the public on a by-road located within a 500 meter radius of the Dehigolla Maha Vidyalaya polling station. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Bandarawela, Bandarawela polling Division, polling Station Numbers 60 and 61. CMEV field monitors reported that two police officers turned away voters from the polling station who did not possess polling cards. Based on eyewitness accounts, CMEV field monitors estimated that by 11 a.m, almost 20 voters had been turned away. On 20th September 2014 UVA Province, Badulla District, Passara, Namunukula Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that the senior presiding officer attached to Namunukula Vidyalaya polling station was under the influence of alcohol while he was on duty. Furthermore when the CMEV field monitor approached the senior presiding officer to sign the CMEV observation form, he refused to do so. CMEV has reported this incident to the Elections Commissioner. On 20th September UVA Province, Badulla District, Passara, Yuri Estate Tamil Vidyalaya Polling Station. CMEV field monitors reported that around 1.05 p.m, a group of persons approached voters who were proceeding to the polling station and pressured them to vote for UPFA candidate Mr. Vadivel Suresh (No. 18 ). This incident is reported to have taken place within a 50 meter radius of the polling station. On 20th September 2014 Uva Province, Badulla District, Bandarawela, Bandarawela Police Station. Police Communique issued by the Deputy O.I.C of the Bandarawela Police stated that at 10.20 a.m, Mayor of the Bandarawela Municipal council Mr. Chaminda Wijesiri with five other supporters visited the Bandarawela Police Station to lodge a complaint regarding UNP supporters being threatened and assaulted.  At about 10.40 a.m UPFA Member of Bandarawela Pradeshiya Sabha, Mr. Heenkenda and the Deputy Minister of Trade and his supporters (who arrived a short while after Mr. Heenkenda), entered the Police Station and had an altercation with the Mayor of the Bandarawela and his supporters. CMEV field monitors reported that the Mayor of Bandarawela was admitted to the Diyathalawa hospital and had reportedly suffered bruising as a result of the altercation. He has been transferred to the Badulla base hospital.

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014 Election Day Communiqué No. 1 Read More »

Joint Open Letter by the Main Election Monitoring Groups

Press Releases /

To: Leaders and Secretaries of all political parties Contesting the Uva Provincial Council Election 2014 And the Inspector General of Police (IGP) 12th August 2014 Dear Sirs, Request to take appropriate action to prevent violations of election law and ensure the safety of election officials As you are aware, there have been several reports of threats to election officials in provincial council elections held in the recent past. Evidence of many such incidents surfaced during the provincial council elections in the Southern, North Western and Western provinces – incidents in Homagama, Kesbewa (Western PC) Weligama, Matara (Southern) and Mahawa (North Western) being examples. In comparison with other elections conducted in the last decade, the number of such incidents is high. The latest such incident of this nature, has been reported from the Badulla district on nomination day (06th August 2014). A former Uva PC minister (Anura Vidanagamage) and his brother, a ruling party Member of Parliament from the Badulla District (Thenuka Vidanagamage) had organized a large vehicle parade with the intention of traveling to Badulla from Mahiyanganaya. When this large group of supporters with over 150 vehicles entered the Loggal Oya area, a few police officers attempted to stop them under instructions from Mr. Chaminda Namal Thalangama, Deputy Commissioner of Elections, Kurunegala, who has been deployed to the Uva Province for special duty by the Election Commissioner. UPFA supporters threatened the Assistant Election Commissioner and the police officers, who attempted to stop them. Further they deleted all photographic images and video footage on camera, taken by the Deputy Commissioner of Elections. Due to this unprecedented incident, the election officers who had been verbally abused and threatened feared for their safety and returned to Badulla using alternative routes. A section of UPFA supporters arrived at Bandarawela through Haliela and Badulla while another section gathered in the Meegahakiula area, seriously violating election laws. There have also been reports of other incidents of violations of election laws by UPFA and UNP supporters holding vehicle parades.Our main concern however, pertains to the incident reported from the Loggal Oya area. The Department of Elections had issued a circular (PCE/2014/UVA/4B) on July 31strequiring that political parties, government officers and law enforcement authorities ensure that processions and vehicle parades do not take place during the election period, especially during August 5th and 6th 2014.The Department had also urged politicians not to disturb students sitting the GCE (A/L) examination between August 5 and 29, 2014. Further the Department of Election has been issued a “code of ethics in terms of section 8(8) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No.1 of 1981 as amended by Act No.58 of 2009. Accordingly, it is expected that political parties and leaders of Independent Groups will make their candidates aware of the code of conduct and make suitable arrangement to ensure that they observe the said code. As already reported, all Assistant Commissioners of Elections are frustrated and deeply concerned about violations of election laws and in particular of this nature. It is of pivotal importance to ensure their safety and provide them the necessary support to carry out their duties without fear or favour. In this respect, we note a number of special concerns, which should be given immediate attention. Firstly most of the vehicles used in that particular vehicle parade were “Defender” vehicles of the type typically used by politicians and elements attached to the security forces. Secondly a number of the supporters involved are from cadre given to the politicians as their security officers from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD). Unless immediate measures are taken to prevent this type of incident in the future and political actors commit themselves to upholding elections laws in word and deed, the integrity of the poll on 20th September will be gravely compromised. As such, we call on you to take all measures to ensure the safety and security of election officials and to issue strict instructions to candidates to desist from any actions, which affect the holding of free and fair elections.We also urge the IGP that in addition to providing for the security of election officials, he act decisively in respect of the misuse and abuse of public property and state resources as well as of MSD personnel and vehicles. The appointment of unbiased and professional police officers is of particular importance in areas such as Mahiyanganaya. Furthermore, MSD personnel should be directed to wear their police uniforms at all times when on duty during elections. A genuine and demonstrable effort by political leaders, especially from the ruling alliance is vital to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. We will be releasing this letter to the media in the public interest. Please be assured of our cooperation. Thanking you, Yours sincerely, Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu – CMEV Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi – PAFFREL Mr. Keerthi Tennekoon – CaFFE ### Download this PR as a PDF here. See Sinhala PDF here.

Joint Open Letter by the Main Election Monitoring Groups Read More »

Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014: Media Communiqué No. 1

Press Releases /

31 July 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has commenced proceedings for monitoring the upcoming Uva Provincial Council Elections 2014. Cooperation and assistance rendered by election officials, police, political parties, candidates, media and the public in the past has been invaluable to the exercise and we look forward to similar support in this election as well. The CMEV secretariat is located in Colombo and incidents related to electoral violence and violations of electoral laws can be reported to the secretariat through the contact details given below. All CMEV reports and communiqués, and the violence mapping on Google Maps can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com All updates will be posted on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cmev(or via @cmev) All updates will also be posted on our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/electionviolence CMEV is planning to deploy a number of stationery observers in selected polling stations during the election day as well as 10 Mobile Teams on Election Day in the areas identified as critical. Our contact details are: Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) No 24/2, 28th Lane Off Flower Road, Colombo TP: 0112565304-6 & 0115552749 Fax: 0114714460 E-mail: cmev@cpalanka.org Please contact following persons for comments and information: Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Co-Convenor-CMEV 0112301634 (direct) Mr. Manjula Gajanayake Coordinator 0115552749/0772298565 Mr. Mani Maran Field Coordinator 0115552749/077247608 CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition against Political Violence as an independent and nonpartisan organization to monitor the incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. ### Download as a PDF here.  

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Northern Provincial Council Elections – September 2013

Press Releases, Press Reports /

2 September 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has commenced monitoring the forthcoming Northern Provincial Council Elections 2013. Cooperation and assistance rendered by election officials, police, political parties, candidates, media and public in the past has been invaluable to the exercise and we look forward to similar cooperation in this election as well. The CMEV secretariat is located in Colombo and incidents related to electoral violence and violations of electoral laws can be reported to the secretariat through the contact details given below. All CMEV reports and communiqués, and the violence mapping on Google Maps can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com All updates will be posted on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cmev (or via @cmev) All updates will also be posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/electionviolence CMEV will deploy 20 Field Monitors in the first week of September to cover every polling division in the province and as well as 250 Stationary Observers and 10 Mobile Teams on Election Day in the areas identified as critical in nature. Our contact details are: Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) No 24/2, 28th Lane Off Flower Road, Colombo TP: 0112565304 & 0112565304 Fax: 0114714460 E-mail: cmev@cpalanka.org Please contact following persons for comments and information: Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Co-Convenor-CMEV 0112301634 (direct) Mr. Manjula Gajanayake Co-ordinator 0115552749 Mr. Mani Maran Field Co-ordinator 0115552749 CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition against Political Violence as an independent and nonpartisan organization to monitor the incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre.

Northern Provincial Council Elections – September 2013 Read More »

CPA Statement on Local Government Elections 23 July 2011

Press Releases, Press Reports, Situation Updates /

23 July 2011, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) notes the conclusion of the second phase of the 2011 local government elections held today. The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) of which CPA is a constituent member, did not deploy monitors in the field in the present phase of the local government elections. Therefore, the information received is from reports filed from actors present in the areas where elections were conducted, as well as from the media. The lead up to the elections was marred by violence and election day itself witnessed several incidents, including one killing. The elections for the 65 local government bodies held today were delayed due to legal challenges. CPA also notes that the Government using Emergency Regulations has postponed elections for a number of local authorities. We urge all political actors to take steps to ensure local government elections are held without further delay. The present elections were held according to the 2010 Electoral Register unlike the polls held in March 2011 that used the 2009 register. A significant factor in this is the reduction of the number of registered voters in the Jaffna District. Another key point is the holding of local government elections in parts of the North such as in Killinochchi after more than two decades. Available information indicates that these elections recorded a relatively high turn out at the close of polls. This in turn reflects renewed voter interest, especially when compared to the parliamentary elections of April 2010 that saw a turnout of 61.26%, one of Sri Lanka’s lowest turn outs at a general election. There were concerns about voter distrust in the electoral process, in particular over transportation problem and allegations of irregularities in the counting process. The turn out in the Northern Province in particular has been very high. For instance, the Killinochchi polling division recorded a turn out of just 7.23% at the Presidential elections held in 2010 and 12.13% at the parliamentary elections held the same year. In contrast, as reported in the media by returning officers, voter turnout at the close of polls in Killinochchi was 65%, Jaffna 46% and Mullativu 65%. Whilst these elections represent a significant step in the post-war consolidation of democracy, a number of incidents highlight concerns about enduring violence and malpractice compromising the integrity of the electoral process. CPA was informed of several incidents where voters in areas of Karachchi and Palai divisions, in the Killinochchi District were forced to hand over their polling cards by armed actors hours before polling commenced at 7am. CPA also received reports that in some areas payments were made to some voters to hand over their polling cards. Some of these incidents were reported from Bharatipuram, Ramanathapuram, Konavil, Malayalapuram, Vattakachchi, Kalmadu, Ananvillandan and Navalnagar in the Killinochchi District. While it is too early to comment on the outcome of the elections, an important point to note is the tactics used by candidates, political parties and others to influence and deter a free and fair election taking place in the North. Violence and violations of electoral law were also reported from other areas of the country. The killing of a UPFA supporter, Anura Wijeybandara in Anuradhapura District, reportedly in an intra-party clash on election day draws attention to continued political violence in the country. A recurrent issue in elections held in Sri Lanka is the problem of documentation. Voters in the present election in parts of the North experienced this again. CPA was informed that an announcement was made by the Commissioner of Elections only at noon today stating that temporary identity cards issued by the Police would be accepted for polling in parts of Killinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. While this delayed announcement may have helped some voters, CPA notes with concern the inability of the relevant officials to take steps prior to the opening of the polls to disseminate this information. CPA urges the Commissioner of Elections and other relevant officials to take necessary measures to ensure these issues are addressed without delay in light of the statement made by the President of forthcoming Northern Provincial Elections to be held in 2012. View this PR online here.

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Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election April 2010: Media Communique 11

Media reports, Press Releases /

20 April 2010, Sri Lanka, 5pm: Re-polling in 34 polling centers in Nawalapitiya Polling Division, Kandy District and in Kumburupitiya Polling Station (Number 78), Trincomalee Polling Division, Trincomalee District was carried out between 7 am and 4pm today. CMEV monitored the re-polling with 4 mobile teams and 34 stationary monitors in Nawalapitiya and 1 mobile team and 1 stationary monitor in Kumburupitiya. In both districts CMEV reported nine (09) incidents during the polling period including incidents of attempted impersonation, illegal casting of ballots, verbal abuse of SPOs, transporting of voters and impersonation of monitors. CMEV notes that there were few incidents of election related violence during this re-poll. This is a significant change from April 8th when a high number of incidents were reported which resulted in the Commissioner of Elections calling for a re-poll. The violence free environment can be attributed to a high presence of police and military around polling stations. CMEV estimates a provisional voter turnout of 65% in Nawalapitiya and 46% in Kumburupitiya, Trincomalee. This demonstrates a lack of interest among voters in the present election. CMEV reiterates the importance of free and fair elections which reinforce public confidence and ensures the integrity of the poll. CMEV has continuously called for and reiterates its call again for the immediate implementation of the 17th Amendment and the establishment of the Election Commission. At the close of polls the following incidents were reported to CMEV: Verbal Abuse of a SPO: CMEV Election Observer reported that Luxman Kirielle, UNP Candidate (No.08) and Ravi Karunanayake (UNP MP elected from Colombo district) had come to the Polling Station No. 05, (Senadhikari National School) at Udahenthanne around 11.40am. When the SPO informed them that Ravi Karunanayake was not entitled to enter the Polling Station, Luxmam Kirielle had verbally abused the SPO and left the polling station. Illegal Casting of Ballot in Nawalapitiya: CMEV Election Observer reported that a person  with a bogus ballot paper attempted to vote around 1.15pm at Warakawa junior school Polling Station No. 36, in Nawalapitiya Electorate in the Kandy District. This is the second such incident reported from this Polling Station today. The earlier incident took place at around 10.10am. Attempted Impersonation: CMEV Election Observer reported an attempt at voter impersonation at M.S. Aluthgamage Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station No. 17, in Nawalapitiya Electorate where a voter had come to cast his vote with his National ID card and his father’s Polling Card. When the Electoral Register was examined it was revealed that the name of the person with the NIC was not in the Register. He was handed over to the police by the SPO for attempting voter impersonation.

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Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election April 2010: Media Communique 10

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Re-Poll in Nawalapitya & Trincomalee 20 April 2010, Sri Lanka, 1pm: Re-polling in 34 polling centers in Nawalapitiya Polling Division, Kandy District and in Kumburupitiya Polling Station (Number 78), Trincomalee Polling Division, Trincomalee District commenced at 7 am today. The Election Commissioner decided to re-poll following allegations of serious election malpractices including obstruction of voters and chasing away of polling officers on General Election Day on April 8th 2010. CMEV is monitoring the re-polling with 4 mobile teams and 34 stationary monitors in Nawalapitiya and 1 mobile team and 1 stationary monitor in Kumburupitiya. As of 13:00 hours CMEV reports four incidents of election violations: Transport of Voters in Trincomalee: CMEV mobile monitors reported that at around 9.20am, supporters of UPFA candidate Susantha Punchinilame (No 07) were transporting voters from the Salappai area and Gandhinagar in two vehicles bearing registration numbers 31Sri 1756 (a jeep) and WP 5029 (a bus), located near the Kumburupitiya Polling Station (No 78) around 9.10am in the Trincomlaee Electorate. Transport of Voters in Nawalapitiya: As reported by CMEV around 11.00am, a white van bearing the Registration No. 42-0239 had engaged in transporting voters to Galaha junior school Polling Station No. 30 in Nawalapitiya Electorate. This has happened several times but the police have only warned the perpetrators. Illegal Casting of Ballot in Nawalapitiya: CMEV monitors reported at around 8.35am, the SPO in the Polling Station No 39 Kadiyallena Junior School in the Nawalapitiya Electorate, was helping disabled voters to cast their vote.  However, he marked the ballot paper himself and puts it into the ballot box without showing it to the voter. Nor was this voting being witnessed by another official as required by law.  A similar practice was reported to have taken place in polling station No. 07, Alugolla junior school (No. 2) in Dolosbage, in Nawalapitiya Electorate.  This was observed at around 11.45am by CMEV monitor. Impersonating Monitor: As reported by CMEV around 12.05pm, a person in the vicinity of the Dolosbage Junior School Polling Station (No.01) in Dolosbage in the Nawalapitiya Electorate, was wearing the hand band of CMEV and thereby posing as a CMEV Election Observer. The police removed the person from the vicinity of the polling station and returned the hand band to the CMEV Election Observer.

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