Situation Updates

On 20th September 2013 / 08.10h/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar Electorate/ Pesalai UPFA party office As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, UPFA Mannar District candidate No 6, Mr. Robert Pieris, organized dry rations to be distributed on the night of 20th September 2013. On 20th September 2013 from 6.00 – 8.00 pm : Northern Province: Jaffna  District, Electorate, Chavakachchari, Kodikamam area: Villagers from Palavi and Katchai have reported to CMEV monitors that a large number of youths are roaming these villages. The villagers reported their fear that the presence of the youths could result in electoral violence and malpractice. CMEV urges relevant authorities to take immediate action to prevent any such violence or malpractice. On 20th September 2013/ 11.00 a.m/ Northern Province/ Jaffna District/ Manipay Electorate CMEV received a report of posters of UPFA candidates on the sides of the following roads; Manipay Road, Uduvil Road, Anaikoddai Road, Sangilipai Road, Maradanamadam Road, Chunnakam Road. The said posters were of the following UPFA candidates; 1. Mudiappu Remidios- candidate No. 18 2. Abdul Hameed Nafman Siras Mohamed- candidate No. 04 3. Kodeswaran Rushangan- candidate No. 12 4. Nadarajah Thamilalagan- candidate No. 14 5. Naganathi Ponnampalam – candidate No. 16 New posters of the following TNA candidates were seen: 1. Iynkaranatsan Ponnuthurai 2. Tharmalingam Sitharthan 3. Emmanuel Arnold There were also fresh posters of Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidates,  mainly down the Uduvil Road. The candidates are: 1. Senathirajah Krishnakumar 2. Kankaratnam Loganathan 3. Sivasunthari Manokaram Additionally it was noted that the deployment of army personnel has increased noticeably. The increase of military personnel was visible along the following roads:  Manipay/ Jaffna Main road, Sangilipai Main road, Savalkaddu road and, Anaikoddai road. It was stressed that members of the military moved freely and frequently on the said roads, thus making the presence of the army felt more strongly. On 19th September 2013 at 12.30 pm in Northern Province, Jaffna Electoral District, Kangkesan Thurai Electorate. CMEV monitor reported that he went to Arasadi Road, Kollangalati, where he witnessed military personnel using black oil to deface posters of all candidates. Thereafter no posters were visible in the area. Whilst the military was so engaged, vehicles (registration No NP KW 1603 and CP PE4685) belonging to UPFA candidate Shiras and with posters of the candidate displayed on them, were seen at the same place. On 19th September 2013 at 12.53 p.m: Northern Province Jaffna Electoral District, Odupidi Electorate. As reported by a CMEV monitor in Odupidi, from the 10th of September 2013 a significant military presence has been observed in the area. On the main roads of Odupidi and on by roads, a significant number of military personnel have been deployed. 19-09-2013/ 20.00h/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar Electorate/ Tharapurram As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, villagers from Vellankulam and Ganeshapuram were transported from these villages to Tharapuram by UPFA supporters and given dry rations. It was noted further that the villagers were transported in 3 CTB buses. The CMEV monitor further confirms that the distribution of dry rations was organized by UPFA candidate No. 4, Mr. Abbas Abdul Rifkhan. 19-09-2013/ 20.15h/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar Electorate/ Pesalai As reported by CMEV monitor in the area, UPFA supporters were provided with dry rations to be distributed amongst the people of the 4th and the 8th housing colonies of Pesalai. Currently the dry rations are stored at the residences of two of party supporters identified as Rani and Stephen whose full names were not revealed for security concerns. They live down K. V. Road, Pesalai. The rations are to be distributed on the night of the 20th. 19-09-2013/ 23.15h/ Northern Province/ Mullaithivu District/ Mullaithivu Electorate/ Muliavilai It was reported that an election meeting of the UPFA candidate Mr. Sivalingam Sathish Kumar contesting under number 03 in Mullaithivu district, was held at the garden premises of a UPFA supporter Mr. Thiyagaraja Arulvendan near the Katta-Vinayagar Kovil (Hindu temple). About 35-40 persons have attended the meeting. A villager, Mr. Kanapathypillay Dushyanthan of Mulliyawallai Central, Mulliyawallai informed CMEV about the meeting. He stated that the meeting had started around 10 pm and by the time he had called CMEV, around 11.15pm, the meeting was still going on. 19-09-2013/ 23.17/ Northern Province/ Mannar District/ Mannar Electorate/ Mannar town, Tharapurram, Puthukkudiyairuppu As reported by CMEV monitor posters of the following UPFA, TNA, UNP and SLMC candidates, respectively were put up in the aforementioned areas: UPFA 1. Candidate No. 04 Mr. Abdul Abbas Rifkhan 2. Candidate No. 06 Mr. Robert Pieris TNA 1. Candidate No. 03 Mr. Irudayanathan Charles Nirmalanathan UNP 1. Candidate No. 02 Mr. Abdul Kaseem Rahumathulla SLMC Candidate No. 08 Habib Mohamed Rayees The aforementioned posters appeared mostly in the following areas: Karisal, Olaiththuduwai, Puthukkudiyairuppu, Thottaweli, and Tharapurram 19-09-2013/ 23.53h/ Northern Province/ Vavuniya District/ Vavuniya Electorate/ Cinna Cippikulam, Cheddikulam As reported by CMEV monitor, UPFA candidate No 7, Mr. Mohideen Kani Sego Munajithu and around 8 to 10 supporters of the UPFA have done house-to-house visits and handed cash to residents in the Cinna Cippikulam village within the Cheddikulam DS Division in Vavuniya. The report also indicates that the campaigning was carried out in the vehicle bearing registration number NP-JP 7100. 20-09-2013/07.39h/ Northern Province/ Jaffna District UPFA candidate Mr. Angajan Ramanathan still continues his campaigning via short messaging system, conducted through a message centre identified by the number +46701326101. This was reported by a CMEV monitor who received the text message. Download PDF here.

Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya, Commissioner of Elections, Elections Secretariat, P.O. Box 02, Sarana Mawatha, Rajagiriya, 10107. 18th September 2013 Dear Sir Request to Make a Public Statement Ensuring the Secrecy of Ballots Cast in the Forthcoming Provincial Council Elections As you are aware, there have been several reports of incidents of voters being told by various individuals that ballots cast at the forthcoming election- including party preference and candidate preference – can be traced. This practice has been especially prevalent in the Northern Province and specifically in remote villages such Thirunagar, Barathipuram and Selvanagar in the Killinochchi District. Ensuring the secrecy of ballots is an essential prerequisite for the conduct of a free and fair election as it minimises the possibility of voters being influenced. As you will appreciate in the context of allegations of voter buying and intimidation, ensuring that individuals are able to cast their vote freely and without compulsion is of paramount importance. As such, we call on you to make a public statement to the effect that ballots are specifically designed to prevent anyone from linking a specific voter to a ballot and that there is no possible way for another person to decipher to which political party and candidate(s) a particular person cast his/her ballot. We urge you to request heads of all print and electronic media institutions- including state owned media institutions- to give to such statement the widest possible coverage in both the Sinhala and Tamil languages. 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 Mr. Shan Wijetunge – Transparency International, Sri Lanka   Download PDF here.

20th September 2013 Summary: There is widespread disillusionment with the election process, which may lead to low voter turnout. Unacceptably long distances to polling center’s will deter others, since even where buses are being provided these services will be minimal and are not free. The Election Commissioner’s Office is doing its best under difficult circumstances but is handicapped by an outdated system in need of reform, compounded by inadequate funds. Yet, the systematic misuse of state resources, notably of the Ministry of Economic Development, to benefit pro-government candidates, and the deliberate violation of election law through combining development activities with election campaigning have irreparably flawed the democratic process in Mullaitivu District. Military interference in the electoral process is mostly indirect, though incidents of coercion to attend meetings of UPFA candidates have been reported. Description: The general view of voters is that this election has no real meaning in the present context because (a) their basic needs of livelihoods, land and freedom from fear and control have not been met, and (b) the Northern Provincial Council will have no autonomy, with “the Chief Minister serving as a messenger of the Governor, who in turn is the messenger of the President.” A campaign of deliberate disinformation has been carried out by vested interests to convince rural voters that (a) voting against the Government will only result in cessation of all development activities because funds will not be released by the central government, (b) the Government (and military) will be able to find out which party and candidate each person voted for, and there will be serious consequences as a result, and (c) the (Supreme) Court has ruled that the TNA will be disqualified so all votes for them will be worthless. On the positive side, the Election Commissioner’s Office has conducted voter education workshops in each of the 136 villages, and has reassured voters. However, Minister Basil Rajapaksha’s most recent statements that development initiatives will be jeopardised if the TNA wins has further fuelled voters’ fears. Transportation to and from polling centres is a serious issue for many voters in the district. At least 3500 voters will have to travel over 5km to reach their respective polling centres. The furthest distance is from Amaithipuram, where voters live 24km away from the Puthvedduvan School where they are expected to cast their ballots. The Elections Commissioner’s Office has arranged for a single bus each for 10 of the worst-affected areas, but voters will have to pay the bus fare. Others may have to walk up to 4km each way in the blazing to participate in a process in which they have little faith. The lack of identity cards is a concern for some voters. CMEV has been reliably informed that a significant percentage of the approximately 500 voters in Kuravil in the Pudukudiyirippu DS Division may not have valid IDs. In addition, some recent returnees who have only their Manik Farm identity cards will not be able to vote. Also, since the 2012 list is being used, a significant number of current residents whose names are only on the 2013 list will not be eligible. In Pudukudiriyippu DSD alone it is estimated that around 1000 persons have lost their voting rights as a result. The systematic misuse of state resources and direct violation of election law to benefit UPFA candidates are as serious as to mar the electoral process irrevocably. The Ministry of Economic Development is the main culprit. UPFA candidates who are former senior employees of the ministry serving at Deputy Project Director level have access to Ministry vehicles and staff for campaign work. 172 Samurdhi Development Officers were hired in the district in violation of election law, and their role in the current context is clear. In addition, 150 CPRs hired under the Re-Awakening Project, it is widely alleged, actively support the UPFA campaign at the village level.      A blatant example of such abuse is the handing over of 110 (or 500, the number varies depending on the government source!) houses by the Hon Minister of Economic Development to residents of Helambawewa on 18 Sept 2013. While the Mahaweli Authority, the NHDA and other government departments were involved, and the event itself was staged adjoining the Helambawewa Army Camp with full military (and MI) presence, the stage was decked in blue with blue flags everywhere. Villagers were provided with lunch packets after the meeting which clearly took on political tones and referred explicitly to the NPC elections. CMEV spoke to two separate groups of women going home with their lunch packets, and their common response [in Sinhala] was “We are coming from the Betel Leaf meeting.” One woman added, “They want us to vote for them, and we will, but now we have to walk a long way back home.” Military and Police support of UPFA candidates was blatant. In Mullaitivu town the main UPFA candidates’ office is next to the Mullaitivu SP’s Office, and they are allowed to keep large cut outs, posters and banners on the road even after all campaigning has stopped. Police is deployed at UPFA rallies and tamashas, such as the musical show sponsored by UPFA candidate Satheesh Kumar in Pudukudiriyippu on 18 Sep 2013. Other parties too violated the end-of-campaign regulation, for instance the Muslim Congress held a meeting at Mulliyawalai on 19 Sep 2013. However, the overall picture of the Mullaitivu District is one in which the UPFA candidates are free to violate any and every regulation with impunity. On 19 Sep 2013, CMEV observed UPFA candidate No 6 campaigning in Mullaitivu town itself. The military’s involvement is generally less direct, but their control is pervasive. CMEV spoke to a group of women who complained that the Army at Thanneeroottu had asked them to attend a rally organised by UPFA candidate Satheesh Kumar, saying that they will be given loans. Many had gone even by three-wheeler and come away disappointed. Fear of repercussions prevent people from even commenting on the military, but

On 20th September 2013, Chulipuram, Vadukkodai Electorate, Jaffna District, Northen Province. As reported by CMEV Field Monitor, the residence and campaign office of Ananthi Sasidharan (TNA Candidate No1– Jaffna District) in Tholipuram in the Chulipuram area was attacked, allegedly, by a group of military personnel at around midnight on 19th September. Some of the attackers were reported to have spoken in Sinhala and were also identified to CMEV as military personnel, on account of their clothing. Nine (09) persons including lawyer Sugash who went to assist the victims, were injured in the incident.  Ms Sasidharan was able to escape the attack with her children. When CMEV contacted the Jaffna Police Headquarters around 12.45am, the Police told CMEV that they were not aware of such an incident and directed CMEV to the Vadukkodai Police. However once CMEV contacted the Vadukkodai Police around 01.05am, they said that they had been told that the Chulipuram area is not in their division. However when contacted again, the police informed CMEV that a team of police officers had been deployed to the location.  As at 8am, the police also informed CMEV that no official complaint of the incident has been lodged with them. CMEV is particularly concerned about the alleged involvement of the military as the perpetrators of this attack.  Throughout the campaign, there have been a number of allegations of threat and intimidation of voters and electioneering on behalf of particular candidates by military personnel in uniform and by Military Intelligence and Civil Defence personnel. Since the campaign concluded at midnight on Wednesday 18 September, the number of such incidents reported to CMEV has increased CMEV unreservedly condemns any military involvement in the electoral process- the basic mechanism of choice and change in a functioning democracy.  Such involvement seriously undermines the integrity of the process and in the context of this election, gravely undermines reconciliation and unity in the country. CMEV calls upon the Election Commissioner and all relevant authorities to ensure that this involvement ceases and that all allegations in respect of incidents of violence and malpractice are investigated and the culprits brought to book.  The protection and the strengthening of the institutions and processes of electoral democracy in the country, demand no less. Download PDF of report here. Download also in Sinhala and Tamil.

On 19th September 2013, Kollankalati, Kankasanthurai Electorate, Northern Province CMEV Field Monitor reported that the majority of villagers in Kollankalatti are in fear on account of unidentified groups roaming the village. He reported that sections of the community were considering not voting.  Some of them had attended the Point Pedro TNA rally two days ago and were concerned that they could suffer similar repercussions. Property of TNA supporters was destroyed in Point Pedro after a TNA rally there. On September 19th 2013, Avarankaal, Kopai Electorate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province Villagers in Avarankaal reported to the CMEV monitor that a Sinhala speaking group was roaming the village at around mid-night, They allegedly defaced TNA posters on the parapet wall of the house of the sister of Mr Ariyakuttu Paransothi, TNA candidate, Jaffna District which also serves as the candidate’s party office. They are also alleged to have drawn the image of a betel leaf on the verendah of that house and of pasting posters of Abdul Hameed Nauman Siras Mohemad (UPFA, NO 04) and Mudiappu Remediaas UPFA, No 18.  Achchuveli Police visited the location and removed all posters.  A formal complaint has been lodged with regard to this incident.  The Police have recorded it in the Mobile Information Book (MOIB. 249/47) rather than the EIB Book. According to Sergeant Thusitha of the Achchuveli Police investigations are ongoing. He further noted that the incident has been identified as one of mischief and not one that is election related. On 19th September 2013, Wadukkodai Electorate, Jaffna District, Northen Province. CMEV Monitors reported that last night, in the villages of Santhei, Thillalai, Ponnalai, supporters of UPFA candidates Naumaan Siras and Angajan Ramanathan as well as EPDP supporters, were seen roaming the streets. He further reported that on account of the tension arising from this, some villagers had indicated that they will not be voting. Mannar Electorate in Mannar Electoral District in Northern Province As reported to CMEV Field Monitor, villagers of Uthayapuram, Vangalaipada, Pesalai, have yet to receive polling cards. Dowload PDF of report Here. Download also in Tamil and Sinhala.

On 18th September 2013 at 11.30 a.m: Northern Province, Jaffna Electoral District, Chavakachchari Electorate at Mirisuvil Durgaiamman Kovil, Chavakachchari. Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran, Member of Chavachacheri Urban Council (TNA) – a witness to the incident- reported that, around 12.00 p.m, a group of 25 to 30 people were distributing UPFA propaganda material near the Mirisuvil Durgaiamman Kovil in Chavakachchari. Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran alleged that this group was connected to the military and that two military officers in uniform were also seen providing protection to the group distributing UPFA hand bills. Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran contacted CMEV at around 2.20 p.m at which point he stated that he was been chased by a group connected to Military. It was alleged that the Army attacked the group of persons who were with him and were campaigning for TNA. CMEV was also told by Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaran that the OIC of Kodigaman Police station, Mr. Edirisinghe, was present at the Marathankulam Pilleyar Kovil, the place where the victims sought refuge. CMEV contacted Kodigaman Police Station and was informed that the OIC had gone to investigate an incident with a mobile team. CMEV then contacted the OIC Edirisinghe, who asked us to get back to him in a short while. Although CMEV tried several times to contact OIC Edirisinghe, we were unable to contact him until 4.30 p.m. At this point the OIC stated that, a minor incident had occurred near the Marathankulam Pilleyar Kovil but as there was no official complaint lodged with the Police he could not release any information. He further stated that he had asked the relevant persons to come to the Kodigaman Police Station to make a statement. The Police reiterated that there was no involvement of the military in this incident. CMEV has been unable to contact Mr. Arunachalam Balakumaransince this afternoon for further comment. Download PDF of report here. Dowload also in Sinhala or Tamil.

On 17thSeptember 2013 at 12.45 a.m: Northern Province, Jaffna Electoral District, and Karainagar Electorate at Kovalam. The residence of Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Velayudam Anaimugan (TNA) was stoned at about 12.45 a.m by a group of unknown persons. Mr. Anaimugan stated that while he was returning from the TNA election meeting held near the Sivakamy Amman Temple at about around 10.30 p.m the previous night (16th September 2013) he observed 06 people on 03 Motor cycles in front of his house. Upon seeing him approach these individuals had allegedly fled the location. Mr. Anaimugan stated that he was only able to note the registration number of one motor cycle (VI 6465) but identified several persons in the group as officers attached to the Army intelligence. Mr. Velayudam Anaimugan has informed the Police emergency unit about this incident but has not logged a formal complaint. When contacted by CMEV the Kayts Police station confirmed that they received a complaint that the Karainagar Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman’s house had been attacked and had deployed a mobile police team to investigate at about 1.30 a.m. The police further stated that as the complainant refused to give a statement at the time he was asked to make a statement at the Kayts police station within the course of the day but that he had not done so. Police further stated that they were unaware that this was an election related incident or that officers attached to Military intelligence units were involved. Download PDF of this update here. Download also in Sinhala or Tamil.

As at 4.30 pm on Sunday 15th September, the following reports of election –related violence in the Northern Provincial Council election have been received by CMEV: 13th September 2013, Kodikamaam Electorate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province:  CMEV field monitor reported that CID officers had questioned TNA supporters about leaflets they were distributing and had informed the police to arrest them. Police arrested 04 supporters of TNA candidate Mr. Chandralingam Sugeerdhan (Candidate No 14). When contacted Kesawan Sajanthan (Candidate No 13) confirmed the incident and mentioned that the police had informed them that they were in breach of election law. Kodikamam Police Station confirmed the incident. On 13th September 2013, A32 Road, Maravanpuli Junction, Chavakachcheri Electorate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province: Ten supporters of Mr. Kajadeepan (Candidate No. 17), TNA were campaigning in the above mentioned area when at around 5pm an unidentified group accosted them and beat them with poles. The attackers fled the area in a vehicle (No: 59-3641). Gnanaprakasham Kishor and Raj Kumar Rajindan were admitted to the Chavakachcheri Hospital (Ward Number 6) at 7.55 p.m.  When contacted, Police Sergeant Arjan Sunil confirmed that such incident had occurred and that the Police was investigating it further. On 14th September 2013, in the Point-Pedro electorate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province: According to eyewitnesses who wish to remain anonymous for security reasons, on the 14th a number of individuals attached to military intelligence and the EPDP obstructed a TNA meeting. They had told people not to attend the TNA meeting, which eventually took place in the vicinity of the community hall where it was originally scheduled, because of military and EPDP actions. When contacted by CMEV, TNA candidate Mr. Sugeerdhan said that the EPDP and some personnel attached to Intelligence had obstructed the rally. When contacted, Sub -Inspector R.P. Lalith of the Point –Pedro Police said that the owner of the land of Bharathi Community Hall, Uduththurai, had withdrawn the written permission he had given for the use of his premises for the rally.  Accordingly, a separate venue had to be arranged for the meeting. Police denied receiving any information regarding allegations of damage to a loudspeaker unit in this incident. 15th September 2013, Siruppiddi South, Kopai Electarate, Jaffna Electoral District, Northern Province: Banana and beetroot cultivations belonging to TNA supporters living in Siruppiddy area have been destroyed. When CMEV monitors spoke to the villagers, they named UPFA supporters as the perpetrators on the grounds that the latter have been demanding an end to TNA election rallies. One of the affected villagers, Mr. Uthayarasa, estimated that he has lost at least Rs. 20,000 due to vandalism on his banana cultivation.  Achchuweli police confirmed that they have received such a complaint from two villagers (Aiyanpillay Rathnasamy Complain No. MOIB 234-39 and  Manikkam Udayakumar MOIB 236-40) and had sent Police Officers to the locations. CMEV observed that the police had recorded this incident elsewhere and not in the EIB book. Villagers however allege that supporters of UPFA candidate Mr. Abdul Hameed Nauman Siras Mohammed are responsible for this attack. CMEV contacted the latter. He denied any involvement in the incident and stated that he had provided considerable assistance to the people of Siruppiddy village. Download this report as a PDF here. Download in Sinhala here. Download in Tamil here.

13th September 2013: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) officially commenced the deployment of field monitors in the five districts of the Northern Province on 1st September 2013. Prior to this, the CMEV secretariat in Colombo monitored incidents of election violence through media reports and volunteers on the ground and from 2nd to 4th September 2013, CMEV conducted a field visit to the districts of Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and Jaffna. The field visit focused on the people’s attitudes towards elections in general and the obstacles, if any, to ensuring a free and fair election in the unique socio-political circumstances prevalent in these districts. This report is based on interviews conducted with Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), Social Workers, Youth Groups and religious leaders during the course of the field visit and is supported by desk research. In order to ensure their safety, the names of those who were interviewed have been withheld. The Report also includes incidents reported by CMEV field monitors and complaints made directly to the CMEV secretariat in Colombo. Download the detailed monitoring report here, or read it online here. Download in Tamil here.

17th March 2011 Colombo, Sri Lanka: After the release of our first media communiqué, CMEV has received numerous reports with regard to the violation of election law and incidents of violence as well as intimidation. These incidents include murder, the obstruction of CMEV election observers, reports of voter transportation, death threats received by candidates, voter identification issues and reports of voters who were chased away from polling centres. Murder Sabaragamuwa Province, Kegalla district, Moradana area at Bulathkohupitiya Pradehiya Sabha. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning. A three-wheeler transporting UPFA posters had knocked down a supporter of the UPFA who was part of another campaign group. As a result, both of these groups were involved in a fight, which led to one individual being stabbed with a knife. The victim was rushed to the Kegalle hospital and succumbed to his injuries. CMEV contacted the Bulathkohupitiya police station and S.I Samarasena informed us that the fight was not a political incident, but a ‘personal matter.’ Furthermore, we contacted Jude Rookantha Perera, a UPFA candidate, and he confirmed that he visited the area and that it was a personal fight. CMEV also contacted the Kegalle Hospital police about the incident and OIC Premachandra informed us that the body has not been released yet. In order to obtain further details, CMEV contacted an official at the hospital who told us that the body will not be released until the District Medical Officer (DMO) returns to work. The DMO is presently on leave. Obstruction of CMEV election observers North-Western Province, Puttalam district, Puttalam PS at around 10.45AM Citing the Election Commissioner, SPO of the St.Andrew Maha Vidyalaya polling centre has stated to CMEV monitors that they have no authorization to provide information to CMEV. North Central Province, Anuradhapura District, Mihintale PS, 9.00AM The Senior Presiding Officer (SPO) of the Missaka Belgium Community Centre polling centre                   refused to provide information to the CMEV monitor R.Supun Seneviratne. The SPO has further stated that they are only authorized to provide information to PAFFREL. Voter transportation As we highlighted in our first media communiqué, there have been many reports of voter transportation from Puttalam to Mannar. CMEV has contacted the Deputy Manager of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and he stated that under the instructions of the Election Commissioner, voters are able to pay the normal bus fare to travel to Mannar. He further stated that CMEV should contact Mr. Ameen, Deputy Depot Manager of SLTB, Puttalam division for further information. However, CMEV has been unable to contact the Deputy Depot Manager in Puttalam. CMEV contacted an official attached to the Assistant Commissioner of Elections and he confirmed that the Election Commission has requested the SLTB to provide transport to voters provided that they pay the normal fare for the service. Uva province, Moneragala District, Wellawaya PS at around 10.30AM: CMEV monitor reports that large-scale voter transportation is taking place near the Mallaththawala Maha Vidyalaya No. 25 polling station. Details of the parties and vehicles involved in this incident are as follows: Van (GK 3443) bearing the name and preference number of UPFA candidate Rohana (No.08) Cab (250-5309) bearing the name and preference number of UPFA candidate Raja (No. 03) Van (50-1108) bearing the name and preference number of UNP candidate Dilum (No.04) Three-wheeler (JG 8815) bearing the name and preference number of UPFA candidate Srinath (No.10) These vehicles have been moving around the polling station. Northern Province, Mannar district, Mannar PS & Mannar UC, at around 10.00AM: CMEV monitor reports that voters were transported along the Kurunegala-Mannar road in WPNA 3877 CTB bus (Mannar Depot), WPNA 3879 CTB bus (Kurunegala depot) and WPNA 633797 CTB bus (Kurunegala depot) by the supporters of UPFA candidate Hameen (3). Northern Province, Mannar District, Manthai East PS area, at 12.00 NOON: TNA supporter Amrithalingam reports that UPFA supporters are transporting voters from Palpani to Ambalpuram in eight busses and a gray colour van. North Western Province, Puttalam District, Puttalam PS at around 9.00AM: A three-wheeler (UR 7786) bearing the photo and preference number of UPFA candidate Nasmi (No.01) has transported voters to the Sri Visuddharama Temple polling station. CMEV monitor reports that there are two policemen on duty. Southern Province, Hambantota district, Tissamaharama PS, at around 9.15AM: UPFA supporters of candidate Y.K Wasantha are transporting voters into Gonagamuwa Kanishta Vidyalaya polling centre in a white van (ST 2540765). Eastern Province, Ampara district, Navinthanpalli PS, from 9.30-9.45AM: TNA candidate U.P Thevan (07) reports to CMEV of transportation of voters from Sorikkalmunai 01 to Sorikkalmunai 03 using a bus (60 Sri 0083) by supporters of TMVP candidate Sutharshan (NO.01). Eastern Province, Ampara district, Samanthurai PS, from 9.50am – 10.00AM: Voters have been transported from Samanthurai to Jamaliya Vidyalaya polling centre in a white van (61-4636) by supporters of SLMC candidate Kadar. Death threats Eastern Province, Ampara District, Navithanveli PS, at around 10.40AM: TNA candidate Kalaiyarasan (NO.05) complained to CMEV that TNA candidate Kularatnam (NO.09) has received death threats from TMVP Eastern Province Council member Pushparaj near the Saraswathi Vidyalaya and Thalai Mahal Vidyalaya. Eastern Province, Ampara District, Navithanveli PS, at around 10.40AM TNA candidate Kalaiyarasan (NO.05) complained to CMEV that TNA candidate Kularatnam (NO.09) has received death threats from TMVP Eastern Province Council member Pushparaj near the Saraswathi Vidyalaya and Thalai Mahal Vidyalaya Voter identification Uva Province, Moneragala District, Medagama PS, in the morning A voter at the Bakinigahawela Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya polling centre reported to CMEV that the Grama Sevaka has failed to return temporary identity cards to 30 voters. These temporary IDs were handed over to the SPO during the last parliamentary election and Grama Sevaka has not received new identity cards. The Grama Sevaka has reported this to the voters yesterday. (March 16) Uva Province, Moneragala District, Medagama PS, in the morning A voter at the Bakinigahawela Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya Polling centre reported to CMEV that the Grama Sevaka has failed to return temporary identity cards to 30 voters. These temporary IDs were handed over

17th March 2011, 1000Hrs: Polls opened at 7.00 am today in 234 Local Authorities. The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) has received a number of reports of violence and violations relating to electoral law, including individual incidents of voters being chased away from a polling booth in Dambulla MC and an attack in Beruwela UC on the house of a candidate.  CMEV is monitoring the polling through the deployment of Mobile Teams. Transportation of voters from Puttalam to Mannar CMEV was informed by its monitors, that voters are largely being transported to polling centres by political parties, particularly from Puttalm to Mannar. This is a violation of electoral law. CMEV contacted the Mannar Election Office and was informed by an officer in charge of transport that the Election Department has not provided transportation facilities this time and therefore political parties had stepped in to do so.  He confirmed that he had received information regarding this. Hand Grenade attack in Dimbulagala PS, Polonnaruwa A hand grenade attack has been reported from Dimbulagala PS of Polonnaruwa District at around 3.20 am. The attack occurred inside a polling centre namely Maguldamana Vidyalaya according to the Aralaganvila Police Station. CMEV learnt that a police officer on duty had been injured during the attack and had been admitted to the Polonnaruwa Hospital. CMEV was later informed by its monitor, that this attack was allegedly carried out by a group of UPFA supporters when the police officer prevented the pasting of posters near the polling station. However, a police constable attached to the Aralagangvila Police Station informed CMEV that the poll is being conducted at the said centre as scheduled. Tension in G.B.Senanayaka MV of Ekala PS, Gampaha At around 08.30 am a CMEV Monitor reported that a tense situation prevailed near the G.B.Senanayaka MV polling centre due a dispute between the UNP polling agent and election officials. According to the CMEV monitor two centres have been established – one for men and another for women- in the said centre and although two UNP polling agents were allowed access to the centre only one voter list was given. Subsequently the polling agents had an argument with the SPO to provide two separate voting lists to each of the polling agents. It is also reported that police also intervened in the incident. At around 09.00 am CMEV Monitor informed that the police had the situation under control. Voters driven away by thugs at Dambulla Rajaye Madya Maha Vidyalaya hall no.02, Dambulla MC At around 9.00 am voters at the Dambulla Rajaye Madya Maha Vidyalaya hall no.02 polling station were beaten and chased out of the station by a group who arrived in a vehicle. A mobile police vehicle of the Dambulla police station arrived at the scene and the group fled the area. According to the people around the polling station, this group is affiliated to the UPFA. CMEV contacted the Dambulla Police who stated that a complaint had been lodged relating to the assault. Tension and attack on UNP candidate’s house in  Beruwala UC , Kalutara District at around 9.30am UNP candidates have complained to CMEV about a tense situation around the Beruwala Urban Council arena. It is reported that UPFA supporters allegedly led by Marjan Hajiya had attacked the Mahagoda residence of UNP candidate Hasan Fasy (No. 8 ) and assaulted his family. CMEV was informed that the attackers numbered around fifteen persons, including five with pistols. When CMEV contacted the Beruwela Police Station, it was informed that 42 Air Force personnel have been dispatched to the area. 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. ###