Situation Updates

Total number of Incidents: 413 Major incidents: 231 Minor incidents: 182 Firearms involved: 55 Intra party disputes UPFA against UPFA – 78 UNP against UNP – 2 Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

6th April 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV has received reports from the Puttalam and Batticaloa Districts alleging preparations for voter impersonation in the polls on the 08th. CMEV urges the Commissioner to investigate these allegations and ensure that all action is taken to prevent voter impersonation. Illegal applications under displaced category in Puttalam District On 30th March, CMEV received a copy of the letter, addressed to the Election Commissioner, from UNP candidate for Vanni District Noordeen Mashoor regarding illegal voter applications under the displaced category in the Puttalm District. In the letter, he alleged that this was done on the instigation of the incumbent Minister and UPFA candidate Rishard Badiudeen. The letter mentions that most of such voters currently reside in Colombo and Panadura. The rest are either living abroad or have died. On contacting Noordeen Mashoor’s Office, CMEV was informed that in centres highlighted in the letter, there was a remarkable increase in the number of voters compared to the last presidential election. Manalkunru(PD No.29D), Cassim city(PD No.42D/3), Veppamadu(PD No.23 D/1), Alankuda(PD No.54/D1 & 54D/2), Ulukkappallam(PD No.77D/1& 77/2), Hidayath Nagar(PD No.86D) and Thillayady(PD No.40D) in the Puttalam District and Salampapuram (PD No.43D) in the Anurdhapura District were highlighted in the letter. An officer attached to Mashoor’s office told CMEV that a list highlighting every individual’s current status has been prepared in order to identify the illegal applications. According to him, there are around 6,000 such voters. He also informed CMEV that the copies have been given to the Election Commissioner and respective Returning Officer and Assistant Election Commissioner. He said that they were awaiting action in this regard. On contacting the Assistant Election Commissioner and the Returning Officer of Puttalam, CMEV learnt that they have started investigations into the matter. On 02nd April CMEV was told by the Assistant Election Commissioner-Puttalam Mr.A.O.M.Nafeel that in a random check they did based on the list they received from the complainant, they identified around 27 applications with forged signatures of Grama Niladharis. He further explained that since they do not have an updated list of people residing in the camps, it is difficult to compare the lists. He also said that they did not have enough time and resources to conduct a check on an individual basis. He stated that after the consultation with the Commissioner, they would take a decision regarding the mater. On 03rd April CMEV learnt that the Commissioner issued a notice on the issue on 02nd April. CMEV got a copy of the notice on 04th April. It is mentioned in the notice that 25,582 displaced voters (21,035 for Vanni and 4,547 for Jaffna) have applied under the displaced category and they will be allowed to cast their votes in centres to be set up in the Puttalam District. It is further noted in the notice that the lists of displaced voters under this category were displayed in the Puttalam and Mannar Election Offices and in the respective Divisional Secretariats a week ago. They subsequently received complaints from some voters in Mannar that they did not apply under this category. Accordingly, they will be allowed to vote in their regular polling centres in Mannar, the notice states. It is also stated in the notice that they have identified some applications with forged details and signatures and that in many cases Grama Niladaris had not attested the applications. CMEV has learnt that applications of those living abroad and deceased were submitted with forged signatures.  This is also mentioned in the notice. It is explained in the notice that the Puttalam Assistant Election Commissioner’s Department attempted to get a list of people over 18 yrs through the respective Returning Officer. However, the lists have yet to be submitted by the respective camp officers. Therefore, it is difficult to conduct a fair poll in 37 centres set up in the Puttalam District. The notice instructs displaced voters to get their respective camp officer and Grama Niladari to attest the form issued by the Department of Election. However there are concerns in respect of the former since camp officers are appointed by Rishard Badiudeen’s ministry and with the time period available for this. On 05th April CMEV contacted the respective Returning Officer in this regard, he informed CMEV that the Commissioner has issued another notice today considering all the issues. According to him a declaration will be obtained from voters at the discretion of the SPOs or if a polling agent objects, according to the section 43 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Measures will be taken to inform the people through Grama Niladharis. CMEV notes that this is not the first time illegal applications have been submitted from the Puttalam District. During the Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC Elections, 488 such applications were found and removed by the Election Commissioner. Moreover, the annulment of results in a polling centre due to malpractices has also happened in the Puttalm District in the recent past. CMEV notes with concern the lack of preparedness for the conduct of the polls and underscores the lack of an updated list of people residing in the camps, though displacement occurred 20 years ago. . CMEV calls upon the respective Returning Officer and Assistant Election Commissioner to act fast to effectively communicate the message to the concerned people and to remove the confusion arising from constant changes of the procedures within a very short period. Allegations of preparation for systematic voter impersonation On 04th April CMEV received a copy of a letter, addressed to the Election Commissioner on 30th March 2010, from UNP candidate for the Batticaloa District U.L.M.N.Mubeen He alleged, in the letter, that a UPFA candidate plans large- scale voter impersonation using forged NICs. The letter states that the candidate in question has visited the town to collect the details of traders who are voters in the Batticaloa Distric but currently residing outside the Distrixt for business purposes. It is also alleged that the candidate has collected a copies of the latter’s NICs for purposes of

Total number of Incidents: 398 Major incidents: 223 Minor incidents: 175 Firearms involved: 53 Intra party disputes UPFA against UPFA – 75 UNP against UNP – 2 Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Summary of incidents received to CMEV by 4.30 p.m. 2nd April 2010. Total number of Incidents: 307 Major incidents: 178 Minor incidents: 129 Firearms involved: 43 Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

31 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV notes with concern the intensification of both inter and intra party violence in the lead up to the polls on 08th April. CMEV highlights the increasing number of assaults, resulting in injuries, hurt and grievous hurt. CMEV has confirmed 72 such incidents, which constitute 44% of the confirmed total of 161 Major incidents. Recent incidents of election related violence are highlighted below; Lack of Coordination between Election Officials On 31st March CMEV learnt that the CMEV District Coordinator in Badulla was officially informed by the Assistant Election Commissioner of the Badulla District, T.A.C.N.Talangama in his letter dated on 24th March that CMEV and PAFFEREL Mobile Monitors would not be allowed into the polling booths. The Election Commissioner has given approval for CMEV and PAFFEREL Mobile Monitors to enter polling centres in which their Stationary Monitors are not deployed, in his letter dated 06th March 2010.  The letter was addressed to all the Returning Officers, Deputy, Senior and Assistant Election Commissioners. CMEV contacted the respective Assistant Election Commissioner.  The latter informed CMEV that in a meeting with the Election Commissioner, they were told that local Mobile Observers would not be allowed to enter the polling centres. He further stated that he was not aware of the letter of 06th March. When CMEV contacted the Election Department in this regard, the Additional Election Commissioner, W.P. Sumansiri stated that he was only aware of the Commissioner’s approval to local Monitors to enter polling centres and that he was not aware of this approval being withdrawn, as stated in the Assistant Election Commissioner’s letter. CMEV has written to the Election Commissioner and the Respective Assistant Election Commissioner in this regard with relevant references. Intra party disputes CMEV continues to receive reports regarding intra party violence. CMEV has recorded 58 instances of UPFA intra party violence of which 45 are categorized as Major. CMEV received 01 such incident (Major) against the UNP in the Kurunegala District. CMEV has confirmed 10 UPFA intra party clashes from the Anuradhapura District, while 07 such incidents have been reported from the Matara District. CMEV has confirmed 06 Major incidents of UPFA intra party violence from the Badulla District. Six (06) intra party clashes are reported from the Ratnapura District. Four (04) such instances were reported from the Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Gampaha Districts respectively. Three (03) incidents each of UPFA intra party violence were received from the Kalutara and Puttalam Districts. Furthermore, 02 each incidents were reported from the Kegalle, Kandy, Monaragala, Vanni and Digamadulla Districts.  One (01) incident of UPFA intra party violence is reported from the Kurunagala District. Abduction reported in Puttalam: CMEV Field Monitor reported that M.Riflas, a member of the political wing of the People Revival Front, was abducted by an unknown group on 31st March at around 11.25 am in Madina Nagar, Palavi. CMEV contacted M.Munafdeen, Secretary of the People Revival Front. He informed CMEV that the perpetrators traveled in a red Pickup Truck (2007/2008 CC). He suspected them of being supporters of the incumbent Minister of Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA candidate for the Vanni District, Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no 01). CMEV learnt that Riflas was released at around 12.30 pm today and that the party is an ally of the UPFA. When CMEV contacted Riflas, he said that he was abducted by Mujahir- who reportedly is associated with RsihardBadiudeen- and two others and brought to a UPFA party office near the Thillayadi Railway Station. He further stated that he was assaulted and verbally threatened by them not to engage in politics. According to him, a complaint had been lodged with the Puttlam Police Station and his statement was recorded by PC Nimal(41189) CMEV contacted the Police. OIC Gunasekara informed CMEV that they came to know about the incident but no one had complained to the Police as yet. He further stated that when they investigated on the basis of information received, they came to know that the person allegedly abducted had been released. Clash between two UPFA groups in Nuwaraeliya: CMEV received a complaint from S.B.Ratnayake, a brother of UPFA candidate C.B.Ratnayake (candidate no 02) that their supporters were assaulted by a group of supporters of the Chairman of the Central Provincial Council, Saliya Bandara Dissanayake in Udawatha Kumbura,Hanguranketha on 30th March at around 12.30 pm. He alleged that around 20 supporters of Saliya Bandara Dissanayake assaulted his supporters with weapons. According to him, they were carrying a pistol, a repeater, a shotgun, 3.8 mm pistol and a sickle. They have identified 05 of the perpetrators namely D.V.J.Vithanage, Alfred Hettiarachchi, Siripala Siriwardhana, Nishantha Ratnayake and Ashoka Dissanayake. Ajantha Bandara, a supporter of C.B.Ratnayake, sustained head injuries. Two others were also injured in the attack. CMEV learnt that Saliya Bandara Dissanyake campaigns in support of UPFA candidate Nimal Piyatissa (candidate no 01). When CMEV contacted Saliya Bandara Dissanayke in this regard, he informed CMEV that supporters of C.B.Ratnayake unnecessarily increased the volume of the loudspeakers while they were passing land belonging to him and attempted to attack his supporters. He further stated that as a defensive measure his supporters attacked them. CMEV contacted the Hanguranketha Police Station. Election OIC, Sarath Ariyananda, confirmed the incident and informed CMEV that they have received a complaint (EIB 44) from S.B.Ratnayake. CMEV learnt that according to the Police complaint only one person was injured in the attack and that no one had been admitted to hospital. Public Property Misuse On 31st March CMEV Field Monitor reported that propaganda materials of UPFA candidate Chamika Budhadasa (candidate no 03) were displayed in a blue Isuzu cab (253-7122) belonging to the Ministry of Health of the Uva Provinicial Council. CMEV learnt that the candidate is son of the Uva Provincial Council Health Minister, A.H.M.Budhadasa. On above CMEV contacted Chamika Budhadasa who categorically denied the allegation. When CMEV contacted the Health Ministry of the Uva Provincial Council, Assistant Secretary, Mrs.P. Athiraja, informed CMEV that the vehicle is for official work of the Minister

Summary of incidents received to CMEV by 4.30 p.m. 31st March 2010 Total number of Incidents: 277 Major incidents: 161 Minor incidents: 116 Firearms involved: 40 Download this PDF for more information in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

30 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned by the escalating violence and intimidation that threatens to mar the forthcoming polls. Recent incidents of election related violence are highlighted below; UNP party meeting obstructed in Welikada CMEV received a complaint from UNP candidate Shiral Lakthilaka(candidate no 21) alleging that the decorations set up for a UNP meeting in Welikada were removed by the Welikada Police at around 12.30 pm today. CMEV Field Monitor visited to the scene and recorded a statement from Shiral Laktialka. According to him, they initially sought the approval of the Welikada Police to conduct a meeting on 30th March in a car park belonging to the Kotte Urban Council.  They were informed that since a meeting of UPFA candidate Wimal Weerawansa(candidate no 20) had been arranged the following day, the Police were unable give the UNPers approval. He further stated that they then decided to conduct their meeting in a car park located in Rajagiriya belonging to the Road Development Authority. However, the Welikada Police informed them that since the Police did not have enough officers to provide security for the Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickrmasinghe, they were unable to grant their approval. The UNPers finally decided to hold the meeting in a car park next to the Welikada Police Station. CMEV contacted the Welikad Police Station. OIC Gamini Sarath stated that they only removed the illegal decorations, which were displayed outside the premises and did not obstruct the UNP meeting.  He denied allegations that they did not respond to the UNPers requests to hold a meeting and explained that they have also given approval to the meeting held today. Repeated reports regarding the misuse of public property CMEV Field Monitor observed that a lorry (WP LD 1304) belonging to the Ministry of Health was used to transport posters of the ruling party, to Embilipitya from Colombo on 29th March at around 05.15 pm. CMEV Monitor also learnt that around 80,000 posters were being transported. Once CMEV confirmed the incident, CMEV immediately informed all the relevant police authorities including the Election DIG’s Office, the respective Police Station-Rathnapura- and the Emergency Line (119).  However, through subsequent calls, CMEV learnt that no action was taken to track the vehicle. CMEV, once again, underscores the blatant misuse of public resources for electioneering and its bearing on the integrity and outcome of the polls. CMEV expresses its deep concern over the inability of the responsible authorities to arrest the situation. UPFA supporters assaulted in Vavuniya On 28th March, CMEV received a complaint from J.Jesir, a supporter of the former Minister and UPFA candidate, Risad Badhiutheen (candidate no 01), that he was assaulted by a group of supporters of UNP candidate Noordeen Mashoor (candidate no 05) in Chinna Chippikulam, Nerayakulam, Vavuniya at around 09.30 am. The victim sustained grievous injuries on his head and has been admitted to ward no 04 of the Chettikulam Base Hospital. On 29th March, CMEV Field Monitor visited the hospital and recorded a statement from the victim.  According to him, the perpetrators attempted to stab him in the stomach with a knife, but he managed to escape. They subsequently stabbed him on his head. CMEV learnt that a complaint was lodged with the Chettikulam Police in this regard by the victim on the same day and A.C.Razick, a suspect, was arrested in relation the incident. When CMEV contacted Noordeen Mashoor’s office, Mr.Thameem, personal coordinator of the candidate, informed CMEV that he is not aware of the incident. CMEV was unable to contact the Police. Clash between two UPFA groups in Gampola CMEV learnt that a group of supporters of UPFA candidate S.B.Dissanayake (candidate no 05) assaulted a group of supporters of UPFA candidate, Mahindananda Aluthgamage (candidate no 04) in Galgediyawa, Gampola at around 03.30 am on 28th March. Eight supporters of Mahindananda Aluthgamage sustained injuries due to the attack and were admitted to the Gampola Base Hospital. On 30th March, CMEV contacted Mahindananda Aluthgamage. He informed CMEV that his supporters were attacked with wooden batons by supporters of S.B.Dissanyake.. He alleged that they also kidnapped one of his supporters whose release he obtained by speaking directly to S.B.Dissanayake. CMEV contacted S.B.Dissanayke, he stated that he also came to know about the incident and that he is still not aware of whether his supporters were really involved in the incident or not.  He further informed CMEV that he will look into the matter. Attempts to get further details from the Gampola Police Station regarding the incident were not successful, as no one officially responded to the queries. When CMEV contacted the Gampola Base Hospital, Dr.Sunitha Jayasundara informed CMEV that the victims were admitted to ward no 01 and 02 of the hospital and were receiving treatment. She further informed CMEV that they are not in a critical condition. As of 28th March, CMEV has confirmed 258 incidents of election related violence including 152 Major Incidents. The Use of Fire- arms and the Misuse of Public Property has risen to 40 and 41 respectively. Major Incidents include 51 incidents of Assault, 41 instances of Public Property Misuse, 25 incidents of Threat and Intimidation, 10 instances of Damage to Property, 08 incidents each of Arson and Grievous Hurt, 07 instances each of Hurt and 02 of Robbery. All CMEV reports and communiqués and the CMEV Incidents Google Map can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com

29 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV repeats its call to the relevant authorities, political party leaders and their supporters to act fast to prevent further violence and to take immediate actions against the members who have perpetrated violence. Download this as a Sinhala PDF here. Obstruction to CMEV Field Monitor in Nikaweratiya Yesterday, in its 05th Media Communiqué, CMEV highlighted the incident of a camera belonging to its Field Monitor in Nikaweratiya, being snatched by a man who appears to be a supporter of Johnston Fernando. The Monitor was photographing an attacked UNP Party Office in Nikaweratiya. CMEV Field Monitor lodged a complaint (MOIB 270/44) with the Nikaweratiya Police Station at around 07.30 pm yesterday. On contacting the Police, CMEV learnt that the further investigations are being carried out and that no one has been identified in relation to the incident. On 29th March CMEV contacted UPFA candidate Johnston Fernando in this regard. He informed CMEV that he is out of Nikaweratiya, today and will look into the matter once he returned to Nikaweratiya tomorrow. CMEV unreservedly condemns any attempts to undermine it and urges the authorities to assure an impartial and speedy investigation into the incident. An arson attack to UPFA stage in Ninthavoor On 29th March, CMEV received a complaint from CMEV Field Monitor that the pavilion set up for a UPFA meeting in Main Street, Ninthavoor was set on fire, allegedly by a group of UNP supporters at around 10.30 am today. CMEV contacted Mr.Jahufer, Personal Secretary to the incumbent Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and UPFA candidate A.L.M.Athaulla(candidate no 02). He informed CMEV that around 400 UNP supporters were involved in the incident and that they broke the stage and set fire to the decorations and furniture. CMEV contacted M.A.Jinnah, Personal Secretary to UNP candidate Faisal Casim(candidate no 08). He admitted that they are UNPers. He added however that they were not instigated to attack the stage and that he too condemns the attack. CMEV learnt that the STF was deployed in the area after the attack to provide security to the meeting. Attack to DNA Party Offices in Tissamaharama CMEV Field Monitor reported that two DNA party offices located in Tissamaharama were attacked by an unknown group who came in a car and a cab at around 01.00 am today. According to him, cutouts and decorations were damaged due to the attack. CMEV contacted V.K.Sunil, a DNA supporter. He alleged that the attack was carried out by Nil Balakaya(Blue Force, a movement led by UPFA candidate Namal Rajapakshe) and that they were carrying fire arms. According to him bullets were fired in the air, thrice. CMEV contacted the Tissamaharama Police Station. An officer who did not mention his name, confirmed the incident and stated that they have received two complaints regarding the incident from the DNA. He further informed CMEV that further investigations are being carried out on this account. Intra Party disputes Nuwara-Eliya: On 29th March CMEV received a complaint from R.M.S.Sunethra Menike, District women wing Organizer of the National Freedom Front, an ally of UPFA, that their women working committee meeting held at the Community Hall located in Morabedda,Harasbedda, was interrupted allegedly by a group of supporters of the incumbent Minister of Livestock Development and UPFA candidate C.B.Ratnayake(candidate no 02) today at around 12.00 pm. According to her the group was led by H.Ananda Hithtetige known as Ajantha, a Samurdhi Officer. CMEV contacted the Walapane Police Station. A police officer who did not reveal his name, confirmed the incident and that a complaint (EIB 161/76) has been made by R.M.S.Sunethra Menike. Attempts to contact C.B.Ratnayake were not successful as he was in a meeting. Anamaduwa: CMEV received reports regarding an intra party clash between two groups of UPFA supporters in Anamanduwa. On 26th March W.A.Chaminda, Driver of the Chairman of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabah(PS)-Jagath Samantha- was assaulted by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate Priyankara Jayaratne(candidate no 09) in Maduwakkulama, Andigamuwa while they were going to hand over a loudspeaker to a mosque located in Maduwakkulama, Andigama. CMEV learnt that Jagath Samantha is a brother of UPFA candidate Sanath Nishantha(candidate no 02) and that the loudspeaker was a gift from Sanath Nishatha Foundation. A counter attack was allegedly carried out by Jagath Samatha and his supporters on a group of supporters of Priyankara Jayaratne on 27th March near Galkuliya Junction, Andigama. Three supporters of Priyankara Jayaratne sustained injuries due to the attack and K.M.Nihal, a UPFA supporter, was admitted to the Chilaw General Hospital. When contacted, both parties denied the allegations against them and made counter- allegations against each other. CMEV learnt that W.A.Chaminda made a complaint (MOIB 210/199) to the Pallama Police station and a counter complaint was lodged with the Anamaduwa Police Station. When CMEV contacted the Anamaduwa Police Station, Election OIC, N.D.Sarath refused to provide any details regarding the incident as the complaint is not categorized as election related. Kalutara: CMEV learnt that UPFA candidate Kumara Welgama(candidate no 07) entered a party office of UPFA candidate Vidura Wickramanayake(candidate no 13) and attempted to attack a UPFA supporter in the eve of 27th March. When contacted, Indika Chandratilaka, Personal Secretary to the Prime Minister, informed CMEV that they have lodged a complaint with the Horana Police Station.  She asked CMEV to get further details from them. On 29th March, CMEV Field Monitor visited the Horana Police Station, OIC Gunasena Geekiyanage informed CMEV that they have not received a complaint regarding the above incident. Repeated attempts to contact Kumara Welgama were not successful as he was not contactable. UNP party office attacked in Nikaweratiya CMEV Field Monitor reported that a UNP Party Office located in Nikaweratiya was attacked by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate Johnston Fernando (candidate no 14) while they were returning after a UPFA meeting held in Nikaweratiya under the patronage of the President, Mahinda Rajapakshe. Furniture and the campaigning materials were damaged due to the attack. CMEV contacted the Organizer and UNP candidate,