Press Releases

Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communiqué 5

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

28 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV expresses its deep concern about the flagrant misuse of public property for electioneering and the inactivity of responsible officers in arresting the situation. Attacks on party offices and supporters increase in the lead up to the election. CMEV calls upon the leaders of two main political parties in and their allies to act to prevent further violence and to take effective action against members and supporters who have perpetrated violence. Obstruction to CMEV Field Monitor CMEV learns that a camera belonging to the CMEV Field Monitor in Nikaweratiya, Nihal Chandrasisiri, has been snatched by a man in a white Hi-ace van at around 07.15 pm today while he was photographing a damaged UNP Party Office in Nikaweratiya. CMEV Field Monitor informed CMEV that the candidate number and the name of UPFA candidate Johnston Fernando were displayed on the back mirror of the vehicle. His name was displayed as’Jhony’ in Sinhala. CMEV monitor was unable to identify the vehicle number. CMEV learns that at the time of the incident the Police were also present at the location to investigate the attack on the UNP party office. According to the instruction given by the CMEV Secretariat, CMEV Field Monitor has lodged a complaint at the Nikaweratiya Police Station. CMEV will write to the Election Commissioner and the IGP in this regard. CMEV unreservedly condemns this obstruction of the work of election observers by the politicians and their supporters. Clash between UPFA supporters in Mirissa CMEV Field Monitor reported that a clash between a group of supporters of the incumbent Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage and UPFA candidate, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena(candidate no 03) and a group of supporters of UPFA candidate, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena(candidate 01) at Mirissa Junction, around 12.30 pm toady. CMEV contacted Yamuna Punchihewa, a UPFA member of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha(PS) and a supporter of Lakshman Yapa Abeyawardena, who stated that they were obstructed by supporters of Mahinda Yapa near the Mirrissa Junction when they came in a procession from Kamburugamuwa. She further said that the perpetrators attacked them with wooden batons, stones and glass bottles. He also alleged that they were carrying a pistol. According to Yamuna Punchihewa, two UPFA members of Weligamuwa PS namely Susantha Jayalath and Pushpakumara Bettage were amongst the perpetrators. CMEV contacted Susantha Jayalath who informed CMEV that a tense situation arose after supporters of Mahinda Yapa hooted supporters of Lakshman Yapa who were near the Mirrissa Junction. He said that he intervened to control the situation. He categorically denied that they assaulted the supporters of Lakshman Yapa and stated that no one carried fire- arms. CMEV contacted the Weligama Police Station, Mr.Mahesh, OIC of the Weligama Police Station, informed CMEV that they rushed to the scene of the incident once they were informed. He further stated that they managed to disperse the crowd before the situation worsened. AITC supporter threatened in Warani, Jaffna On 28th March, CMEV received a complaint from AITC candidate, S.Subramaniyam(candidate no 11) alleging that K.Arumugam, one of his supporter was verbally threatened by Y.Yogachandran, who claims to be a EPDP supporter, in Warani North at around 04.00 pm today. According to Subramaniyam, he was threatened not to campaign in the Kudathanai area as the area “belongs” to the EPDP and was he to do so, he was told that he would be killed. On contacting the Kodikama Police Station, CMEV learnt that no complaint has been lodged with the police as yet. Repeated intimidation to UNP supporters in Norwood On 27th March R.Kalaivanan, a UNP supporter, made a complaint to CMEV that members of his family are continuously intimidated by Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) supporters, an ally of UPFA. He alleged that the incumbent Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and UPFA candidate Arumugam Thondaman(candidate no 10) threatened them to remove their shop located at No.02,Maskleiya Road Norwood immediately. He further alleged that he instructed the OIC of the Norwood Police Station to take immediate actions against him and his father Mr.Rajendran, Opposition Leader of the Ambagamuwa PS. Repeated attempts to contact Mr. Arumugam Thondaman were not successful as he was in a meeting. When CMEV contacted the Norwood Police, OIC Saman Kumara informed CMEV that Arumugam Thondaman visited the area on 26th March for campaigning but that no quarrels occurred during the visit as alleged. Public property misuse in Polonnaruwa On 28th March CMEV Field Monitor reported that a bus (03sri-9868) belonging to the Mahaweli Authority was used to transport a group of UPFA supporters from Welikanda to Kalahagala for campaigning activities on 27th March. CMEV contacted the residence project manager, Ranjith Perera who confirmed that the bus belongs to the authority and that he has strictly instructed the staff not to use any vehicles for electioneering.  He said he was not aware of this incident. 04 UNP party offices damaged in Sooriyawewa CMEV Field Monitor informed that 04 UNP party offices have been attacked by an unknown group, yesterday 27 March in the Sooriyawewa area. According to CMEV Field Monitor, attacks were carried out between 01-04 am and campaigning materials were set fire to by the perpetrators. CMEV learnt that the offices were maintained by 04 UNP supporters namely U.K.Gunadasa, H.H.William, T.L.Ranjth and G.G.Thanuja Sampth. When contacted H.H.William, a UNP supporter, alleged that the attacks would have been carried out by the UPFA and they would not make a complaint to the Police because they lacked trust in them. When contacted, the Sooriyawewa Police Station, Sergeant Ratnaweera stated that they had not as yet received a complaint. UPFA supporters attacked in Pottuvil On 26th March, CMEV Field Monitor reported that National Congress Organizer for Pottuvil, M.A.Majeed, and a group of National Congress supporters, an ally of UPFA, were attacked with stones at a UNF meeting held in Pottuvil. According to CMEV Field Monitor, they were attacked by UNF supporters gathered at the meeting after UPFA supporters in a van (WP HM 6975) intentionally knocked down a

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Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communiqué 4

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

26 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV notes with concern the actions of election officials which violate the integrity of the electoral process, the very process they are charged with protecting. Postal Voting CMEV received reports of 28 postal voting related incidents at the closure of postal voting on 26th March. CMEV also received reports of clashes between party members during the postal voting. North Western Province Chilaw Bus Depot CMEV learnt that the Certifying Officer of the above centre compelled the CMEV Stationary Monitor to alter his observations when he submitted the observation form to him for attestation yesterday. CMEV monitor observed that some leaflets of the UPFA candidates were placed on the tables of the centre and that voters were exchanging information on which candidates they were vote for. CMEV has written to the Commissioner and the Puttalam Returning Officer in this regard. North Central Province Zonal Education Office, Anuradhapura According to CMEV Field Monitor, the Certifying Officer of the above centre, Abdul Sameedu, did not provide any details to him and said that he has not been instructed to provide details to election observers. At around 03.30 pm, CMEV contacted the Assistant Election Commissioner of Anuradhapura, S.M.S. Bandulasena, who said that he would intervene in the matter. He requested CMEV to send its Field Monitor to the particular centre to provide him with further details. After the intervention of the Assistant Election Commissioner, CMEV Field Monitor was able to collect the details from the above postal voting centre. 138 postal votes were registered at the centre. Kebithigollewa Police Station CMEV learnt that postal voting at the Kebitihgollewa Police Station was postponed to 03rd April 2010 since the Police Officers are on special duty today. Postal voting, however, was held at the centre yesterday, according to the CMEV FieldMonitor. One hundred and thirty eight (138) postal votes were registered at the centre. Wilgamuwa Zonal Education Office,Laggala CMEV learnt that postal voting at Wilgamuwa Zonal Education Office was stopped by an Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), N.B.Karunatilake, at around 10.30 am yesterday on the ground that the procedures were not properly followed. According to CMEV Field Monitor,29 out of 192 registered postal ballots were marked at the time of closure. On 26th March, CMEV contacted the Assistant Election Commissioner of the Matale District, DileepNishantha, who informed CMEV that the two certifying officers of the centre did not participate in the instruction classes held for them and did not even collect the required official documents to conduct the polls including the journals. He further explained that they had not informed party representatives of the polls at the centre. He also stated that he had instructed the A.R.O to stop the polls considering the above and the A.R.O’s observations. According to him postal voting is rescheduled for 30th and 31st March. A similar incident was reported from the Matale General Hospital. According to W.K.W.S.Kumarawnasa, Medical Superintendent and the Certifying Officer, the postal voting of the centre is postponed to 30th and 31st March,as he could not inform the party representatives. CMEV contacted Kuamrawansa on this account. He informed CMEV that he did not receive some required information from the Election Department and managed to collect the documents only yesterday. According to him, he was unable to inform the party representative since he didn’t receive lists from the Returning Officer. CMEV contacted the Assistant Election Commissioner.He stated that he did not receive any information about the postponement of the postal voting at the centre as yet, and that he will look into the matter. Northern Province Manthi West Pradeshiya Sabha On 26th March, CMEV Field Monitor reported that all applications from the above centre were rejected due to late submission. CMEV learnt that 19 applications were submitted to the centre. CMEV contacted Samson Jennings, the Certifying Officer of the centre.  He told CMEV that the applications for postal voting had been sent on the 24th of February and that the delay could be due to late delivery by the postal department. CMEV recorded a similar incident from the Mannar Police Station in which 56 out of 399 applications were rejected due to late submission. On 25th March, CMEV received reports that 150-200 applications for postal voting from the Vavuniya STF camp were rejected due to various reasons. CMEV Field Monitor visited the Security Forces Head Quarters, Vanni and CI A.D.G.P.Amarasinghe informed him that there are several STF camps within the Vanni region and that a number of applications for postal voting from each camp were rejected due to various reasons. He explained that the total is not from a particular camp. Election Violence CMEV received reports regarding intra and inter party clashes between candidates and supporters of both leading political parties during the last two days. Recent incidents are highlighted below: UPFA supporters assaulted in Kinniya On 25th March, CMEV received reports regarding an attack on the supporters of UPFA candidate Najeeb A Majeed(candidate no 03). According UPFA District Coordinator, Mr.Faris, they were assaulted by the supporters of UNP candidate M.S.Thowfeek(candidate no 06) near the Jawahir Junction ,Kinniya at around 06.40 pm. Two UPFA supporters were severely injured due to the attack and initially admitted to the Kinniya Hospital Base Hospital and transferred to the Trincomalee General Hospital. CMEV learnt that A.Mubaris known as Ramzi, a victim, has been transferred to the Kandy General Hospital on 26th March, subsequently. On 26th March CMEV contacted the Kinniya Police Station, Election OIC, Karunaratne informed CMEV that they have not yet received a complaint regarding the attack and that they came to know about the incident last night. He further noted that the attack was not politically motivated. UPFA supporter assaulted in Medirigiriya On 24th March at around 03.20 pm, Shantha Abeyaratne, a UPFA supporter, was assaulted by a group of supporters of UNP candidate Sidney Jayaratne(candidate no 03) who came in a van(58-6644) belonging to the candidate, in Al-Hilalpura, Pulasthigama, Medirigiriya. The victim was admitted to ward no 10 of the Polonnaruwa General Hospital

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Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Postal Voting, Media Communiqué 2

Media reports, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

25th March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned by reports alleging attempts to disenfranchise postal voters by officials in their capacity as certifying officers in particular. CMEV deployed 185 Mobile Monitors and 150 Stationary Monitors today (25 March 2010) to monitor the postal voting and intends to have the same deploy tomorrow. CMEV recorded 25 postal voting related incidents today. As of 24th March CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 192 incidents including 121 Major Incidents. The Major Incidents related to the postal voting are highlighted below: Sabaragamuwa Province Zonal Education Office, Warakapola On 24th March CMEV received a complaint from Dedigama UNP party office alleging that 05 non- government employees were included in the list of postal voters. According the list M.P.Jayaweera of 4th Regiment, Palali, has been named as the certifying officer. On 25th CMEV contacted a voter who was named in the above list.  He stated that he is not a government employee and that he was not aware of how his name came to be included on the postal voting list. He suspects that someone has intentionally done this in order to deny his voting rights, as he is a UNP supporter. When contacted Mr.Jayaweera informed CMEV that he is a government teacher at Nivatuwa Maha Vidyalaya and that he had also applied for postal voting and marked his postal vote at Zonal Education Office, Warakapola today. He further explained that he came to know about the incident yesterday through the Grama Niladhari of his division and that his forged signature has been used in the application. CMEV contacted P.A. Senaratne, Assistant Election Commissioner of Kegalle District. He informed CMEV that mistakenly their names were replaced with similar names of government employees. He said that they have been identified and that postal ballots were not sent to them. He further assured CMEV that he has taken measures to make arrangements for them to cast their votes on 08th April. On 25th March at around 03.10 pm, CMEV contacted the Kegalle District Returning Officer, Mrs.D.M.P.Dissanayake on this account. She informed CMEV that she came to know about the incident yesterday evening and they have started an investigation into the matter. She also said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified. CMEV will raise the issue with the Election Commissioner and urge him to ensure a detailed investigation into the incident. Rambukana Pradeshiya Sabah According to the CMEV Monitor, as of 11.30 am, a double cab(252-6894), a tipper( CP LC 9201) and a van(SB TA 4399) were parked within the premises of Rambukana PS. The vehicles were decorated with the propaganda material of UPFA candidate Kanaka Herath(candidate no 04). Fifty –two (52) postal votes were registered at the centre. Central Province Leminiar Tami Vidyalayam,Nuwara-Eliya On 25th March, CMEV received reports regarding an alleged attempt to deny voters’ rights in Nuwara-Eliya. According to two teachers of Leminiar Tamil Vidyalaya, namely Saraswathi Pawani and Mrs.Rajakumran, they did not receive their postal ballots though they had applied for postal voting. They alleged that the Principal of the School did not submit their applications as they are supporters of National Union of Workers, an ally of UNP. A.Nagarajah a UNP Member of the Kotagala Pradeshiya Sabha informed CMEV that the two  teachers were the only postal voters who did not receive postal ballots. He alleges that the principal did this on purpose to deny UNF voters of the franchise. CMEV contacted the Zonal Education Office, Nuwara-Eliya, B.Dharmasisiri Ranasinghe, an administrative officer of the department. He told CMEV that they were not sent postal ballots because their applications had not been received. Uva Province Mahiyangana Zonal Education Office: At around 03.35 pm CMEV Field Monitor reported that 245 applications for postal voting were rejected by the respective Zonal Education Director, Mr.Susil Wijeyatilaka due to late submission. CMEV contacted Susil Wijetilaka who informed CMEV that he received applications from staff until 26th of February and due to the transportation problems he was unable to submit the applications on the due date. He further stated that he informed the Assistant Election Commissioner’s Office on 26th February that he was unable to handover the applications on the due date and an officer instructed him to send the applications by post. Mr.Susil Wijetialka has sent the applications by post, they were rejected and he has no record of who he spoke to. CMEV contacted A.T.M.Talangama, Assistant Election Commissioner of the Badulla District. He stated that they acted according the rules and that the deadlines given by the Election Commissioner and the Director of Mahiyangana Zonal Education Office was responsible for his delay. CMEV has learnt that most of the applicants have applied for election duty and might lose their right to vote. Western Province Maharagama Urban Council At around 01.00 pm, CMEV Field Monitor reported that UPFA candidate Sudharman Radaliyagoda(candidate no 05) and a group of supporters wearing T-Shirts and Caps displaying the candidate’s number were seen within the premises of the Council. At around 01.20 pm, R.A.Somawathi, Certifying Officer of the centre, informed CMEV that they were present in the morning and that she had instructed them to leave the premises.  She further stated that since she was inside the building, she was not aware of whether they have entered again . She assured CMEV that she would look into the matter. Forest Department Head Office, Malabe On 25th March, the CMEV Field Monitor reported that 19 postal vote applications were rejected due to their late submission. Eastern Province CMEV Field Monitors reported that they found the tops of ballot paper envelopes stuck in several postal voting centres.  CMEV recorded 02 instances from the Paddiruppu electorate and 01 incident from the Batticaloa electorate. CMEV contacted the Assistant Election Commissioner of Batticaloa, T. Krishnanandalingam. He informed CMEV that this was a mistake and that they had deployed a mobile team to re-issue valid envelopes to postal voters. Kinniya Urban Council At around 11.10 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a black Pajero(WP

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Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Postal Voting, Media Communiqué 1

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

25th March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka CMEV field reports reveal that candidates and their supporters engage in electioneering within the vicinity of postal voting centres. Western Province Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabah At around 09.20 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a ‘12X6’ cut-out of incumbent Minister of Nation Building and UPFA candidate Rohitha Abeyagunawardhana(candidate no 03) and another cut-out of Nirmala Kothalawala(candidate no 09) were displayed within the vicinity of the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabah(PS). CMEV contacted Geethani, the Secretary and Certifying Officer of the Kalutara PS, who told CMEV that she had instructed the officials to remove the cutouts yesterday.  She assured CMEV that she will take speedy measures to remove the cutouts. Sixteen (16) postal votes were registered at the Kalutara PS. Zonal Education Office Meerigama According to the CMEV Monitor, two women claiming to be representatives of UPFA candidate Basil Rajapakshe(candidate no 16) are recording the details of individual postal voters of the respective centre. They verbally threatened the CMEV Monitor when he questioned them about this. Two postal voting centres are situated in the department. One hundred and sixty one (161) and ninety-one (91) votes were recorded at these centres. A similar incident was reported from the Survey Department, Meerigama. Twelve (12) postal votes were registered at the department. On contacting his office, CMEV was informed that Mr Basil Rajapaksha was not available as he was in a meeting. Sabaragamuwa Province Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha At around 09.30 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a ‘10X5’ cutout of UPFA candidate, H.R.Mithrapala(candidate no 03) was displayed within the premises of the Deraniyagala PS. Another cutout of UPFA candidate Kanaka Herath(candidate no 04) was also prominently displayed at the entrance gate of the Deraniyagala PS. Ten (10) postal votes were registered at the Deraniyagala PS. According to the CMEV Field Monitor, a jeep (WP JR 3456) belonging to Mithrapala was also parked within the premises of Deraniyagala PS. Southern Province Akuressa Depot At around 09.30 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a medium size cutout of UPFA candidate Manoj Sirisena(candidate no 05) was displayed within the premises of the Akuressa Depot. Seventeen (17) votes were registered at the centre. North Western Province Mundalam Divisional Secretariat At around 09.30 am CMEV Field Monitor reported that a large number of posters of UPFA candidate, Victor Antony (candidate no 06) were pasted on the wall of the Mundalam Divisional Secretariat. Fifty (50) postal votes were registered at the centre. According to CMEV Field Monitor, within the 50m radius of the Mundalam Divisional Secretariat small size cutouts of UPFA candidate Milroy Ferenando(candidate no 10) were displayed along the road. Nathandiya Divisional Secretariat At around 10.10 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a van (NW HU 9813) decorated with the propaganda material of UPFA candidate Arundika Fernando(candidate no 04) was parked opposite the Nathandiya Divisional Secretariat. Sixty one (61) postal votes were registered at the above centre. Northern Province Valvettiturai Urban Council At around 10.15 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that two ACTC supporters on motor bicycles issued pocket calendars and handouts in support of ACTC candidates Gajendra Kumara Ponnambalm(candidate no 02) and Sinnathurai Varatharajan(candidate no 10) opposite the Valvettiturai Urban Council.  According to the CMEV Monitor, the Valvettiturai Police Station is located nearby.  Twenty three (23) and fifty-nine (59) postal votes were registered respectively from Valvettiturai Urban Council and Valvettiturai Police station. Eastern Province Zonal Education Office, Pattiruppu At around 10.40 am, the CMEV Field Monitor reported that a white Dolphin van (62-5039) with the photographs and posters of TULF candidate, Krishnapillai known as Vellimali (candidate no 03) was parked inside the Zonal Education Office.  Two hundred and forty one (241) postal votes were registered from the department.

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Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communiqué 3

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

23 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV continues to receive reports regarding the misuse of public resources for electioneering. CMEV has recorded 32 (29%) cases of public property misuse out of the 110 confirmed Major Incidents as of 22nd March 2010. Attack on MTV/MBC Media CMEV unreservedly condemns the attack on the MBC/MTV office located at Braybrook Place, Colombo, yesterday 22nd March 2010. CMEV has learnt that one of the buses used to transport the attackers was from the Kelaniya Bus Depot.  On 22nd March CMEV contacted the Slave Island Police Station, CI Malin Perera, informed us that according to the statements recorded from the arrested persons, some of them are supporters of UPFA candidate Duminda de Silva (candidate no 08) who were on their way to a musical show organized by him. Duminda de Silva categorically denied the involvement of his supporters in the incident. Whilst the precise motivation for the attack has yet to be established, CMEV notes that it took place in the heart of the capital in the afternoon and against a media organization that has been attacked before.  The attack, in the context of a general election in particular, adversely impacts the free flow of information, public perceptions in respect of their access to information and the Rule of Law.  CMEV calls on the Police to take effective and speedy action against the attackers without fear or favour. Repeated reports regarding the misuse of public property CMEV Field Monitor reported that a meeting was held on 23rd March at the Ashraff-Athaullah Memorial Hall, Pottuvil for school teachers and principals at around 12.00 pm. According to the CMEV Field Monitor, UPFA candidates namely A.H.Abdul Basheer(candidate no 03),A.M.Lebbe(candidate no 05) and A.M.Athaullah(candidate no 02) and Eastern Provincial Council Minister of Road Development, Irrigation, Housing and Construction, Rural Electrification and Water Supply Uduman Lebbe addressed the gathering. CMEV learnt that the schools in the Pottuvil area were closed at around 10.30am on the 23rd in order that the principals and teachers could attend the above meeting. CMEV contacted Mr.Muthalif, Deputy Director of Akkaraipattu Zonal Education Department, who said that permission had not been granted to close schools on the 23rd.  He further stated that he came to know that it was the Ministry of Education of the Eastern Provincial Council that had given approval. Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council Ministry of Education Mr.Weerawardhana, informed CMEV that this was not the case, that he was not aware of the incident and that he would look into the matter. Mannar: on 22nd March CMEV received reports regarding the misuse of a building and staff of the National Youth Council, Mannar in the campaign of the incumbent Minister of Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA candidate Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no 01). Reportedly, a meeting for organizers and supporters of Rishad Badiudeen was held on 22nd March at the Council. CMEV contacted the National Youth Council, Mannar and an officer attached to the council denied that such a meeting took place. Attempts to contact Rishard Badiudeen were not successful. Jaffna: According to CMEV Field Monitor UPFA candidate for Jaffna District, Alexander Charles (candidate no 04) has conducted a meeting in the Kachai Government Tamil Mixed School on 18th March 2010 at around 01.30 pm When contacted, Alexander Charles, categorically denied the allegation. Nuwaraeliya: Allegedly the incumbent Minister of Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and UPFA candidate Arumugan Ramanathen Thondaman(candidate no 10) conducted a  meeting at Pathana College of Education main hall on 17th March 2010. CMEV learnt that five principles of government schools and trainees attached to the college also attended the meeting. Three of them were identified as the Principles of Barathi Maha Vidyalya, Highlands Central College and Kotagala Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, respectively. CMEV Field Monitor reported that a lorry (CP PA 5267) belonging to the Kotagala Pradeshiya Saba is being used in the campaign of UPFA candidate Shanthini Chandrasekran(candidate no 09).N.Sadasivam, a UPF Praseshiya Sabah Member from Kotagala, denied the allegation. CMEV welcomes the Election Commissioner’s guidelines prohibiting public property misuse and highlights the section 104B (4) (a) of the 17th amendment to the Constitution, which clearly states that; The Commission shall have the power during the period of an election, to prohibit the use of any movable or immovable property belonging to the State or any public corporation We urge the Commissioner to exercise the powers vested on him in the interests of protecting and strengthening the integrity of the electoral process. As of 22nd March 2010 CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 170 incidents including 110(64%) Major Incidents.  The Use of Firearms has risen to 31(28%). CMEV has recorded 22 Major Incidents from the Central Province, 17 from the North Western, 16 from Sabaragamuwa, 12 from the Eastern Province, 11 from Uva, 09 from the Southern Province, 08 each from the Western and Northern Provinces and 07 from North Western Province. CMEV has received 127 complaints against the UPFA, 25 of which were made by party members. The UNP was accused in 07 incidents, whilst in 35 cases the party affiliation of the perpetrators has not been identified.  CMEV has recorded a complaint against an independent group contesting in Badulla. ### Download this PDF in Sinhala and Tamil.

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Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communique 2

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Colombo, Sri Lanka: As of 20th March, CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 146 incidents of which 87 have been categorized as Major. The number of incidents involving the Use of Firearms has risen to 29. Some of the recent incidents of election related violence are highlighted below. Download as Sinhala PDF or as Tamil PDF. Arson attack on Lorry of UPFA supporter, Eravur, Batticaloa On 20th March at around 12.30 am a lorry belonging to UPFA supporter, Ibrahim Raheem, was set on fire by an unidentified group in Gandhi Road, Eravur. A complaint (ECIB 29/10) has been lodged with the Eravur Police Station by Ibrahim Raheem in this regard. CMEV Field Monitor visited the scene of the incident recorded a statement from Ibrahim Raheem. He informed the CMEV monitor that he is a UPFA supporter and that his vehicle is used for UPFA campaigning.  According to the CMEV monitor, the front part of the lorry has been completely burnt as a result of the attack. A.C.M.Sayed, Officer in-charge of UPFA candidate, Ali Zahir Moulana(candidate no 02) told CMEV that his vehicle is used to transport furniture for the UPFA meetings and he is an active supporter of the party. C.G.A.S.Piyaratne, OIC, Eravur Police confirmed to CMEV that the incident had occurred and stated that further investigations are underway. Attack on UNP vehicle convoy in Alankuda, Puttalam According to A.M.Husain, SLMC working committee member, on 19th March 2010 at around 04.00pm a UNP party office located near ‘B’ Camp ,Alankuda was attacked by a group of supporters of incumbent Minister of Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA candidate for Vanni District, Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no 01). Jamsir, a UNP supporter, sustained minor injuries on his left hand due to the attack. At around 08.00pm another attack on a vehicle convoy of UNP candidates Noordeen Mashoor(candidate no 05), A.K.S.Hameethu(candidate no 01) and M.H.Rinos(candidate no 08) was carried out by the supporters of Rishard Badiudeen near the play ground Kalmunaikudi-B, Alankuda. Thirteen (13) vehicles were damaged due to the attack and the estimated loss is 240,000Rs, according to Mr.Hussain. Mr.Hussain further alleged that the STF was also involved in the incident and had assaulted the UNPers. Minister Rishad Badiudeen was not contactable. CMEV Field Monitor visited the Kalpitiya Police Station on 20th March to get further details regarding the incidents, but the Police did not provide any information. Attempts by the CMEV secretariat to get details from the Police were also not successful. CMEV has recorded 09 incidents from the Puttalam Electorate of which 07 are from Kalpitiya Police area. Only one complaint had been lodged with the Kalpitiya Police. In two cases complainants directly alleged that the Police is biased towards the ruling party and that they have no trust in them. Alleged mislead of voters in Chilaw On 20th March CMEV learnt that a letter dated 05th March 2010 under the signature of the President of Sri Lanka Freedom Graduate Association, Udula Nuwan Pathirana, has been circulated in Chilaw, Puttalam. The letter requests graduates who wish to be employed in the government sector to go house -to -house campaigning for the UPFA for at least 20 days. CMEV contacted Udula Nuwan Pathirana who denied the allegation and stated that a letter is being circulated within the Chilaw Polling Division with his forged signature. He also stated that he has informed UPFA organizer for the Chilaw electorate and candidate, Neomal Perera (candidate no 07) of this.  CMEV contacted Neomal Perera who stated that he was not aware of the circulation of such a letter.  He categorically denied the allegation that the party has decided to provide jobs only to those who campaign for them.

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Post-election violence: Media Communiqué No. 2

Media reports, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

31st January 2010 Colombo Sri Lanka: CMEV remains gravely concerned regarding the continued trend of post election violence, which is the highest seen when compared with the 1999 (76 incidents) and 2005 (39 incidents) Presidential Elections. The total number of incidents of post election violence recorded following the polls on the 26th of January 2010 stands at 85 incidents, of which 18 incidents have involved the use of firearms. The 46 Major incidents recorded as of today, include 19 cases of Assault, 9 cases of Threat and Intimidation, 8 cases of Arson, and 5 cases of Grievous Hurt. The majority of complaints – 50 out of an overall total of 85 incidents, are against the UPFA, of which 29 are Major incidents. In terms of the geographical spread, of the 46 major incidents, the highest numbers have been recorded in the Kurunegala and Kandy Districts, with 10 and 5 incidents respectively. CMEV remains concerned that as previously reported, complainants and victims continue to insist on anonymity on the grounds of personal security, adding that making complaints at the Police often leads to information regarding the complaint being relayed back to the assailants, resulting in further attacks. We also have reason to believe that there are many more incidents that are not reported even to us. CMEV reiterates its call to the President, the political leadership of all parties, and the Police to deter their supporters from propagating post election violence, and to take necessary action in order to bring those responsible to book. The need of the hour is to ensure governance and respect for the rule of law, and reconciliation, which are only hindered by post election violence.

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Letter to Commissioner of Elections to urgently address concerns voiced by voters and shared by CMEV

Press Releases /

Read the letter as a fully formatted PDF here. ### 27th January 2010 BY HAND, FAX & REGISTERED POST Mr. Dayananda Dissanayake Elections Commissioner Department of Elections Sarana Mawatha, Rajagiriya Dear Mr. Dissanayake, I wish to bring to your urgent attention the concerns voiced by voters and shared by CMEV with regard to the counting process of votes in the 26 January 2010 Presidential Election and the announcement of the results. In particular, we have received information regarding disruption of the counting process including physical assault of counting officers and agents of the principal opposition candidate in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Matale.  The informants insist on anonymity in the interests of their personal security and I am therefore, regrettably unable to furnish you with further details of their complaints and concerns at this moment. Consequently, I am writing to request you to, as a matter of the utmost priority, publicly acknowledge and address voter concerns and doubts about the integrity of the electoral process and in particular, the process of counting and release of results, before you make the official announcement of the final result. Please be assured of my cooperation Thanking you. Yours sincerely ………………………………………………………. DR. PAIKIASOTHY SARAVANAMUTTU CO-CONVENOR

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CMEV Briefing: Inability of Authorities to Address the Voter Rights of IDPs and Others in the North

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

26 January 2010: CMEV was informed that approximately 24,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) presently living in government run camps and with host families were also registered on the 2008 electoral register. Out of this number, 16,000 IDPs applied to cast their vote within the Vavuniya district while 8,000 were eligible to cast their vote in areas such as the Killinochchi district at today’s Presidential election. CMEV was informed by the Government Agent (GA) Vavuniya that 55% of IDPs in Vavuniya were able to cast their vote with only 8.3% voting in Mullaitivu district. CMEV was also informed by the authorities in Jaffna that there was a turnout of 22% in the Jaffna district and 3.5% in Killinochchi. CMEV in its Election Day Media Comminque No 3 raised problems faced in the north and especially those faced by IDPs with regard to voting, including insufficient identity documents and the authorities failing to organise transport for them to travel to other areas to cast their vote. CMEV further notes that concerns of IDPs and returnees toregarding the exercise of the franchise were raised with the Election Commissioner and other government officials earlier and proposals presented to them to address these concerns. CMEV raises continuing concerns regarding the exercise of the franchise by IDPs. These are listed below. CMEV was informed that hundreds of IDPs were unable to cast their vote in Killinochchi as a direct result of inefficient transport arrangements. For example, in Arunuchalam and Ramanathan camps 300 IDPs waited from 6am till 1pm for buses to arrive to transport them to Killinochchi to vote. The buses only reached the camps at 1.30pm and the IDPs were transported to Killinochchi at 3.55pm, allowing them only 5 minutes to vote. Unfortunately these 300 IDPs were not allowed to vote on the grounds that the polls had closed. CMEV has been informed that they have no way of returning to the camps in Vavuniya and are presently stranded in Killinochchi without accomodation. This is only one case which illustrates the problems faced by IDPs living in Vavuniya with a vote in Killinochchi. CMEV was also informed that IDPs who were promised transport by the authorities faced several difficulties in travelling to the cluster centres in the Vanni. At the present moment there still remain restrictions on freedom of movement of IDPs which have been previously challenged by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a constituent member of CMEV. CMEV was informed that IDPs were issued tokens for transport on election day on the 25th night and early 26th morning. At around 4am on the 26th, IDPs were informed through the public address system that they were required to be present sharp at 6am at a specific location to board the buses provided by the authorities. As a result all those who were eligible to travel gathered at 6am to board the bus but were kept waiting for several hours with no information as to what arrangements had been made. Only at 10am did the first few buses arrive to transport IDPs to cluster centres. The second contingent of busses arrived around 1.30pm. During the time period between the first contingent of buses and the second, there was no information given to IDPs regarding voting procedures. CMEV monitors further reported that IDPs who were travelling to Killinochchi were stopped at the Omanthai check point and checked by military which further delayed their travel. This checking seems unnecessary when IDPs had left government camps where they are regularly checked. They should have been directly transported to the polling centres so that they could vote without delay. There were several cases where IDPs who are presently in camps with a vote in Vavuniya had no public transport to polling centres and as a result had to walk a distance of around 7km. This is an issue that could have been dealt with previously and steps taken to ensure that all IDPs who needed transport were provided with it. CMEV was informed that as a result of not having adequate public transport, many turned back and did not cast their vote. Further and this is pertinent in the above cited case, IDPs have expresed fear of repercussions if they could not show proof of having voted after having left camps in order to do so, such as the indelible ink mark on the fingers of all those who have. CMEV received reports that several residing in Jaffna with a vote in Killinochchi were unable to vote. This was mainly due to insufficient transport arrangements for IDPs and those having returned to Jaffna being unable to travel to cluster centres to cast their vote.  CMEV has been unable to obtain the exact figure of the numbers involved in this regard. Upon receiving the above complaints, CMEV contacted the GA Vavuniya and Killinochchi. According to the GA of Vavuniya, 70 buses to transport IDP voters and 40 buses to transport IDPs within Vavuniya as well as 30 to other areas were deployed respectively. The GA Killinochchi stated that efforts had been coordinated with officials in Vavuniya and Jaffna to transport voters. Authorities in Jaffna also confirmed that arrangements had been organised. Though these measures may have been taken, CMEV notes that many were disenfranchised as a result of delays and shortcomings. Those affected and displaced by the conflict and presently living with host families and in camps and those returned to areas in the North and East need special attention. This has been continuously raised by CMEV and its constituent members. Today’s effective disenfranchisement of several hundred of those most affected by the conflict needs immediate attention. CMEV also raises concern about the security situation in several parts of the North where explosions took place in the course of election day which impacted voter turnout. The deterrent effects of the resulting fear on voter turnout and the inability of many to cast their vote, has compromised the integrity of the electoral process in the north.  It is especially regrettable

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Presidential Election 2010: Election Day Media Communiqué No. 4

Media reports, Press Releases /

Read this report as a PDF here. ### CMEV has received the following reports from the field: Eastern Province Batticaloa District: Kalkudah Electroate: SLMC supporter Mr. Mohamad Ismail was attacked by a group of UPFA supporters at around 10:55 am about 20m away from the Oddamavadi Central College Polling Station (Polling Centre 69). CMEV spoke to Mr Ismail, who informed CMEV that he had been hit by members of the group, resulting in injuries to his face, left leg and right hand. He was admitted to the Mancholai hospital and is currently receiving treatment. No Police report had been lodged as at 10:55 am. Ampara District: Digamadulla Electorate: At the Ampara/Lihiniyagama Maha Vidyalaya Polling Centre (21) there had been a long queue of 300 people around 8:15 am and the delay had caused about 30 people to leave the premises without casting their vote. According to the SPO of the polling station the delay is on account of the checking of temporary IDs and the lack of staff at the polling centre. Ampara District: Digamadulla Electorate: CMEV monitors were prevented from accessing Ampara/ Damana Maha Vidyalaya Polling Centre (151) by the Police at around 10:40 am for 15 minutes after which the monitor was given access. The reason given by the Police was that the Eastern Province Minister for Education and Transport, Wimalaweera Dissanayake was at the polling station. Ampara District: Digamadulla Electorate: CMEV reports that at around 9.30 am the Buddhist monk of Pokunuvita Temple Ven Pokunugala Sri Manarathana stood for about 30 minutes within a distance of 50 meters from the Ampara/ Damana Maha Vidyalaya Polling Centre (Polling Centre No. 151), and attempted to influence voters in favour of President Mahinda Rajapakse .  When the Police had asked the monk to leave, he had continued trying to influence people from within a distance of 200 meters for a further 1 ½ hours. Ampara District: Digamadulla Electorate: Three officials of the Lathpandura Vidyalaya Polling Station (Polling Centre No. 19) have not reported for duty as of 10.20 am. As a result there is a long queue of about 350 people. In addition to his duties, the SPO has to assist the others in their duties. Ampara District: Digamadulla Electorate: Chairman W.S.W.N Ariyaratne Wijewickrema and the Vice Chairman Udena Chinthaka Navaratne of the Maha Oya Pradeshiya Sabha arrived in a cab (Vehicle number – EP LE 7504) and a van (Vehicle number – EP GR 8672) with another 10 people to Mr. A. M Gunadasa’s shop and have threatened to kill him saying that he is influencing people to vote for the Swan Symbol (Sarath Fonseka). Though Mr. Gunadasa has insisted that he does not support any party, the group have threatened and warned him that he should expect “something” to happen in the night. CMEV also reports that voters have been transported in these same 2 vehicles to the Ampara Kudaharasgala Vidyalaya Polling Station (Polling Station No. 58). Trincomalee District – Trincomalee Electorate – at 11.40am the Trincomalee ARO Mr. Vijaya Samarasinghe stated that if the Polling Agents are agreead, people with Postal IDs, Navy Passes, Army IDs and Police Reports could vote. A person with a Postal ID had allegedly attempted to cast a vote and was prevented by the SPO Krishanadas, at which point UPFA Provincial Councilor Ariyawathi Galappaththi had protested. The ARO had subsequently arrived on the scene and pronounced the above. CMEV has received confirmation of this from the SPO. Northern Province Vanni District – Vavuniya Electorate – as reported by the CMEV mobile team, yet another hand grenade attack was reported from Amman Road – School Road Junction, Paddirukulam at 12.02pm. Vanni District – Vavuniya Electorate – 11.50 a.m in Kurumankadu a house at No 25, 4th lane, Dharmadevar, Kurumankadu, Vavuniya was subjected to a grenade attack. Vavuniya District, Vavuniya electorate- CMEV monitor reported that at 11.43am a van (no57-9138) with around 8 persons including Nasim, Rishny, Larry and Risvan who were identified by persons around the area and supporters of Minister Rishard Badurdeen, came to Muslim MV Pattanichpulliyankulam (centre no 40 ) and hurled a hand grenade at SLMC member Mr. A.L.M Safir within the radius of 500m of the polling station. There were no injuries reported. Central Province Nuwara Eliya District – Nuwara Eliya Maskeliya Electorate – at 12.00pm at Vatagoda Tamil Vidyalaya polling station centre no 15, CWC supporters canvassed voters in favour of the UPFA candidate. The Police arrived on the scene and dispersed the group. Nuwara Eliya District – Nuwara Eliya Maskeliya Electorate – at 1.00pm both UPFA and NDF supporters gathered at the Parpadam Wathu Pasela centre no 26, influencing voters. Kandy District – Gampola Electorate – at 3.00pm, approximately 70 UPFA supporters were behaving in a manner that disturbed voters at the Atabage Udagama Maha Vidyalaya centre no 32. Kandy District – Theldeniya Electorate – At 15.20pm at the Abeysinghe Kanishta Vidyalaya centre no 30 in Watapatha, the ARO and SPO prevented CMEV mobile monitors from entering the above polling centre. Kandy District – Theldeniya Electorate – At 2.15pm at Waradhiwela Maha Vidyalaya centre no 9 the SPO of the polling station prevented the CMEV mobile monitor from entering the polling station. Kandy District – Gampola Electorate – at 4.00pm at Atabhage Udagama Mahavidyalaya centre no 32 at Maddagam Madda, it is alleged that UPFA Minister D.M Jayaratne’s son assaulted the policeman guarding this polling station. Southern Province Hambantota District – Beliatte Electorate – according to JVP Member of Parliament Nihal Galappatti, at 11.00am UPFA supporters influenced voters at the Pagngnananda Prathamika Vidyalaya centre no. 41. The Police Officer appointed to the centre had taken action to remove the UPFA supporters. The IOC of Beliatte Police Krishantha had subsequently arrived on the scene and removed the Police Officer from the polling centre. Hambantota District – Thissamaharama Electorate – the CMEV monitor has not been allowed into the Yatalathissa Prathamika Vidyalaya centre no 71. He was also denied any information. Galle District – Galle Electorate- around 10.10

Presidential Election 2010: Election Day Media Communiqué No. 4 Read More »

Presidential Election 2010: Election Day Media Communiqué No. 3

Interim Reports, Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Read this in full as a PDF here. Map of location here. ### 3rd Media Communiqué, 26th January 2010, 1030Hrs CMEV received reports of multiple explosions in Nallur, Uduppidy, Manipay, Vaddukottai, Chavakachcheri and Tellipallai. CMEV’s mobile teams were dispatched to a number of locations where the attacks had reportedly taken place. CMEV teams verified damages at the following locations. A push bike parked overnight in front of the polling station, J/Chunnakam Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School (Polling Station Nos 28) was damaged. A tea shop has been damaged on Point Pedro Road, behind Nallur Temple, 500m of J/Nallur Station Church of Ceylon Tamil Mixed School (Hall No 1-3 Polling Stations 35-37). A tree has been damaged in front of the Jaffna Municipal Council’s Fire Brigade, Point Pedro Road within 500m of J/Nallur Station Church of Ceylon Tamil Mixed School (Hall No 1-3 Polling Stations Nos 35-37). A shop Arasady Road in Nallur within 150m from J/Kandarmadam Saivapiragasa Vidyalayam (Polling Centre No 41). CMEV spoke with eye witnesses who said that within an hour of the incident a white van passed by the location in Arasady Road and Point Pedro Road. CMEV contacted the police station in Jaffna, which is investigating one of the attacks following a police complaint.  CMEV also received reports of attacks on polling centres including J/Waddukodai Hindu College(Polling Centre No 21) but observed no damages. These incidents are in addition to the hand grenade attack on the residence of Subramaniam Sharma, SLFP Uduppidi Coordinator, in Valvattithurai at around 3.30 am today reported by CMEV earlier. CMEV was informed that most internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps in Vavuniya and having a vote in other districts were still waiting to travel to their polling centres. CMEV was previously informed by Returning Officers of the areas that transport arrangements would be arranged and IDPs informed of the arrangements. At 11am CMEV was informed that only two busses with IDPs from Ramanathan camp in Vavuniya had left for Killinochchi and many others were waiting by the road outside the camp to be transported to their polling centres. CMEV monitors report that as of 09:00 am, potential voters in zone 5, 6, 7 and 8 (1,098 registered voters) were still waiting for transport. CMEV raised this issue with Assistant Transportation Officer, Mrs Pathmaraanjini who reported that 48 buses had been deployed within the Vavuniya District and 30 buses to transport voters to areas including Killinochchi and Mullaitivu. Sixteen of the 30 buses had arrived as of 11.30 a.m and the 14 are reportedly on the way. CMEV was further informed that many IDPs had turned up to vote in Manik Farm camps in Vavuniya though not all were in possession of the specified identity documents recognized by the Election Commissioner. As a result authorities had allowed temporary camp cards issued by the Police to be used as identity documents. Though this measure allows those displaced and affected by conflict to cast their vote, CMEV is concerned that the use of temporary camp cards alone can lead to possible abuse. CMEV was also informed of a case of a released ‘surrendee’ from the PRI Technical College currently living in Point Pedro with a relative who is registered to vote at the College but who has not been notified of travel arrangements. The Assistant Election Commissioner Kugathanan informed CMEV that he has no information from the Government relating to the whereabouts of releases and returnees and therefore cannot inform them about transport arrangements. CMEV is deeply concerned that the spate of violent incidents in Jaffna immediately before the commencement of polling and in the early hours of polling, indicate a systematic attempt to disrupt voting and ensure a low voter turnout in the peninsula.  CMEV’s concern is reinforced by the simple fact of this election being our first post war national election and the one in which the people of the north have an opportunity to demonstrate their faith in and commitment to democratic processes in Sri Lanka. This is especially regrettable given the imperatives of peace, reconciliation and national unity. We call on election officials to ensure that the transport arrangements for IDPs are met.  It is important that delays in transport arrangements do not affect voter turn out adversely.

Presidential Election 2010: Election Day Media Communiqué No. 3 Read More »

CMEV Preidential Election day monitoring audio updates now live!

Interim Reports, Podcasts, Press Releases /

Regular audio updates / podcasts of our election monitoring and incidents reported from the field in English, Sinhala and Tamil are now live here. These updates can be downloaded as MP3s for broadcast, listened to online, embedded on any website and social networking platform, emailed or easily linked to. Special incidents will also be covered in these updates, and to help reduce the burden on our monitors, journalists are strongly encouraged to use this feed as their primary channel of regular soundbites from CMEV.

CMEV Preidential Election day monitoring audio updates now live! Read More »

Election day monitoring updates

Media reports, Press Conference, Press Releases /

On 26 January, CMEV will disseminate monitoring reports via, Live hourly audio updates / podcasts in English, Sinhala and Tamil uploaded to http://drop.io/cmevelections These updates can be downloaded as MP3s for broadcast, listened to online, embedded on any website and social networking platform, emailed or easily linked to. Special incidents will also be covered in these updates, and to help reduce the burden on our monitors, journalists are strongly encouraged to use this feed as their primary channel of regular soundbites from CMEV. An election day violence map – http://bit.ly/electiondaymap The main CMEV website, which is what you are reading. On Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/electionviolence On Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/cmev

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