Situation Updates

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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Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communique 1

Situation Updates /

19 March 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned by the misuse of state resources for campaigning purposes and the increased use of firearms. Violence Profile As of 18th March 2010, CMEV has confirmed 115 incidents of election related violence including 75(65%) Major Incidents since the closure of nomination on 26th February. Out of the confirmed 75 major incidents 25(33%) are instances of the misuse of public property for electioneering. Incidents involving the use of fire arms have risen to 18 which constitute 25% of the Major Incidents. The 75 confirmed Major Incidents included 06 incidents of Hurt, 03 instances of Grievous Hurt, 22 Assaults resulting in injuries, 14 instances of Threat & Intimidation, 25 instances of the Misuse of State Resources and 05 incidents of Arson. Misuse of State Resources: CMEV has recorded 06 such incidents from the Kurunalgala District; in three instances the incumbent Minister of Nation Building and UPFA candidate Salinda Dissanyake(candidate no 17) and his supporters have been accused of misusing three double cabs(252-6010,WP HI 2766 and WP PB 2271)and a CDMA phone(0114945974) belonging to the respective ministry. CMEV’s repeated attempts to contact Salinda Dissanayake were not successful. A building constructed for the welfare of the Army soldiers in Galgamuwa is being used as a party office of UPFA candidate, Taranath Basnayake(candidate no 15) CMEV contacted the Divisional Secretariat of Galgamuwa.  An officer, who did not want to reveal his name, confirmed the incident and told CMEV that the building is now being administered by the Galgamuwa Village Development Society. A building belonging to the Zonal Education Office of Nuwaraeliya is being used in the campaign of incumbent Minister of Livestock Development and UPFA candidate C.B.Ratnayake(candidate no 02). CMEV contacted the Zonal Education Office of Nuwareliya on 18th March.  An officer there told CMEV on the condition of anonymity, that a ministry sub office of Minister of Livestock Development, C.B.Ratnayake has been run in the old building of the department. When CMEV contacted C.B.Ratnayake, he denied the allegation. CMEV received reports regarding the misuse of a cab (WP JL 5264) belonging to a road construction project implemented by the Sabragamuwa Provincial Council. It has been used for the campaigning activities of UPFA candidate Kanaka Herath(candidate no 04). CMEV contacted the office of the Chief Secretary of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council. An officer of the Council told CMEV that the vehicle was given to the project office by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), that they have no information regarding the vehicle and that he was not aware of the incident. CMEV contacted Kanaka Hereth on 18th March who categorically denied the allegation. According to CMEV monitor a Mitsubishi Cab (52-2425) belonging to the Mahaweli Authority has been used to transport a cutout of incumbent minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services,Maithiripala Sirisena(candidate no 07), from Sevanapitiya to Welikanda on 18th March 2010. Resident Project Manager of Mahaweli Authority, Polonnaruwa who did not mention his name admitted that the vehicle belongs to the authority and stated that he is not aware about the incident. Increased intra -party violence: Another alarming trend in the lead up to the election is the struggle for preferential votes which leads to intra party clashes. Of the 91 complaints against the UPFA 23(25%) complaints have been made by party supporters. Five (05) instances of intra-party violence have been reported from the Southern Province. In Sabaragamuwa, firearms have been used in 05 out of 12 Major Incidents. CMEV has recorded 03 such incidents from the Eastern Province and 02 incidents each from the North Central and Western Provinces. CMEV also received reports of 01 incident each from the North Western and Central Provinces. CMEV highlights below a recent incident of involving the use of firearms in the Kurunagala District. On 17th March at around 10.30 pm, supporters of UPFA candidate R.D.Wimaladasa(candidate no 06) who arrived in a white Canter assaulted a group of supporters of UNP candidate Nilwala Wijesinghe(candidate no 11) when they were having dinner after a meeting held at Nilwala’s residence located in Ridigama. Five (05) UNP supporters sustained injuries due to the attack and were admitted to the Kurunegala General Hospital. CMEV Field Monitor visited the hospital on 18th March and recorded statements from the victims. According Anuara Munasinghe, a UNP supporter, the perpetrators assaulted them with wooden batons and when the other UNP supporters attempted to stop the attack, the perpetrators had fired in the air. Reportedly a bystander also sustained minor injuries to his head due to the panic caused by gunshots. According to CMEV Field Monitor, Ridhigama Police confirms the incident and is carrying out further investigation in this regard. CMEV calls upon the leaders of all political parties, especially the ruling alliance against which the majority of allegations of election related violence have been made, to take immediate and effective steps to halt the violence perpetrated by their candidates and supporters which is a clear threat to the integrity of the electoral process and democracy in Sri Lanka. CMEV’s experience with multiple elections is that violence perpetrated during the campaign impacts adversely on polling by setting a context for an ostensibly violence free election day in favour of those who have perpetrated violence with impunity during the campaign. It is therefore of the utmost importance for the integrity of the electoral process that violence perpetrated during the campaign period is deterred and the perpetrators of violence brought to account. In this context, we reiterate the argument consistently advanced by CMEV regarding the urgency and pivotal importance of the full implementation of the Seventeenth Amendment.  CMEV believes that the establishment of independent commissions for the Police, Public Service and Elections provided for by the Amendment, is absolutely necessary for protecting the integrity of the electoral process. CMEV has commenced the monitoring of the Parliamentary Election and fielded 180 Monitors. CMEV will be deploying 4,500 Stationary Observers in polling stations and 50 Mobile Teams on Election Day. ### Download as a PDF in Sinhala and

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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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Presidential Election 2010: Statement on election day observations

Media reports, Situation Updates /

Read this as a PDF here. ### 27 January 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: On 26th January, Election Day, CMEV deployed 3,790 monitors in mobile teams and in polling stations throughout the island. On Election Day, CMEV recorded a total of 178 incidents of which 94 have been categorised as Major.  The highest number of Major incidents – 26 cases of Intimidators’ Presence in the vicinity of polling stations- was recorded in the Kandy District. Eight (08) of the 94 Major Incidents involved the use of firearms. The Kurunegala District, which recorded the highest number of Major incidents during the campaign (36), recorded 04 incidents of violence in this category on Election Day, illustrating a feature noted in other elections of a high incidence of campaign violence not being replicated on the day of the election. In comparison with the violence recorded on Election Day in the 1999 and 2005 Presidential Elections, Election Day of the 2010 Presidential Election was considerably less violent. In 1999 there were 816 Major Incidents and in 2005, 242. The Interim Report released by CMEV contains its observations on the election campaign. In it we noted our concern about the challenges to the electoral process highlighted in the election campaign which ranged from the flouting of the authority of the Election Commissioner to the abuse of state resources to problems with voter identity documentation and voting arrangements for IDPs as well as the high incidence of violence in this our first post war, peace time election in decades.  Accordingly we reiterated our call for the implementation of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, in particular the establishment of independent commissions for the Police, public service and Elections, it provides for.   We made the point that the Seventeenth Amendment does not constitute a panacea and that it is not a sufficient measure to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, but rather a pivotally necessary one. The concerns raised in our Interim Report remain.  We wish to highlight three issues in addition to the incidence of violence recorded on Election Day.  The first relates to the demonstrably unsatisfactory transport arrangements for IDP voting, which resulted in the effective disenfranchisement of a number of IDPs.  In a Media Communiqué on Election Day, CMEV highlighted the case of 300 IDPs who on account of delays in transport were unable to vote after having waited hours for that transport.  CMEV learns that they were left stranded thereafter and that there were other IDPs who were placed in a similar predicament. The second issue relates to the series of explosions in Jaffna that occurred before polling commenced and immediately thereafter. CMEV believes that these acts of violence were perpetrated to reduce the voter turnout in the peninsula and calls on the agencies of law and order to bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice.  Such violence in particular compounds the challenges of peace, reconciliation and national unity.  Likewise, the effective disenfranchisement of the IDPs.  The free and fullest participation of the people of the north in the democratic process of the country is to be welcomed, not impeded and undermined. The final issue CMEV wishes to highlight is especially critical and relates to the concerns raised by party agents and members of the public about the integrity of the count. CMEV shares these concerns and has received complaints alleging that party agents were both assaulted and chased from counting centres in a number of districts.  Complaints to date have been received from the Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Matale Electoral Districts.  On 27 January, CMEV wrote to the Commissioner regarding this, urging him to publicly acknowledge and address these concerns before the official announcement of the final result. CMEV will issue a full report on both the campaign and Election Day once all field reports from its monitors have been compiled. On the available evidence and information in its possession, CMEV believes that the problems in the electoral process identified above need to be urgently addressed.  This is essential to ensure that the doubts and concerns expressed over the results of this election do not persist and undermine the integrity of our electoral process as well as the legitimacy of our governance.

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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

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

Interview on the confusion over Sarath Fonseka’s vote and eligibility to be Executive President

Media reports, Situation Updates /

CMEV conducted an interview with Asanga Welikala, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives over the confusion arising from key presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka not having a vote, and the confusion significantly fuelled by State media that he is ineligible to be elected as President as a consequence. Listen to interview as streaming audio here or download the MP3 from here.

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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 »

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