PODCAST: CMEV Press Briefing on Presidential Election

Podcasts, Press Reports, Situation Updates /

A press briefing was held by CMEV today at the JAIC Hilton around the monitoring operations for the Presidential Election, which will be held on 8th January 2015. Recordings of the briefing are embedded below. Please note that the Q&A segment doesn’t always pick up the question posed to the panellists. Their answers however give a strong indication on what was asked of them. The four tracks cover the press briefing in English by Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, in Sinhala by D.M. Dissanayake and in Tamil by Mani Maran.

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Presidential Election 2015: Media Communiqué 13

Press Releases, Press Reports /

Download this PR as a PDF here. 6th January 2015 The Presidential Election campaign ended at midnight with several major incidents reported. At the end of campaigning, CMEV documented a total of 420 incidents, with 237 major incidents and 183 minor incidents. The highest number of major incidents were reported from Jaffna District with 22 incidents followed from Badulla District with 19 incidents, 18 incidents from Kurunegala District and 17 incidents from Kandy District. CMEV noted 26 incidents of fire arm use during this period and 3 separate incidents where petrol bombs were used with two resulting in threat and intimidation of residents. CMEV also noted 132 instances of misuse of state resources for electioneering. The final day of campaigning commenced with a shooting incident which left one UNP supporter critically injured. There were also incidents of threats and intimidation reported including the intimidation of two human rights defenders in Negombo. The last day of campaigning also witnessed a clash between UPFA and UNP supporters resulting in 3 persons being hospitalised state resources being used by the UPFA for electioneering, and reports of false ballot papers being circulated in parts of Sri Lanka, an issue raised by CMEV with the Commissioner of Elections.   Several court orders were issued today to arrest perpetrators of violence and to halt programmes which are biased towards one candidate. CMEV welcomes these court orders and urges the authorities to implement these without delay. It is paramount that officials take all necessary steps to ensure that election laws are respected and the integrity of the electoral process upheld. Furthermore, CMEV raised in communiqué 12 the assault of two election officials in Trincomalee by UPFA supporters and the subsequent role played by a Deputy Minister to release the perpetrators. Such actions must be condemned and authorities must take all steps to uphold law and order and hold perpetrators to account. 5th January – UPFA campaign organiser Mr. Arumugam Chandrakumar knifed in Kopai, Jaffna CMEV received a complaint that UPFA Organiser Mr. Arumugam Chandrakumar (38 yrs) was knifed by two unknown individuals near the Navalar School in Kopai. Mr. Chandrakumar received knife wounds in the back and arm at approximately 9.20 pm on the 5th of January. According to the OIC of Kopai Police, Mr. I.P. Jayakodi, he was taken immediatelyto Kopai Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital at 10.05 pm for surgery. Hospital staff stated that they will not comment on Mr. Chandrakumar’s status until the surgery is completed. The CMEV Field Monitor is currently on location obtaining further details. 5th January, three injured in shooting in Kahawatta Ratnapura CMEV received a complaint regarding a shooting that took place in Kahawatta, Ratnapura at about 2 am in the morning on January 5th. United National Party (UNP) supporters, preparing the grounds for a meeting to be addressed by the Common Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena, were shot at by an unidentified group of people. According to Police OIC L.P.K. Rajamanthri, the three injured persons, D.I.W. Karunadasa Ranasinghe, H. Hussain Dulshan and Shantha Dodangoda received treatment at the Ratnapura Hospital. CMEV was informed that investigations are underway. Ratnapura Hospital Police officials confirmed that Shantha Dodangoda is critically injured (injuries to his chest) and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. A police complaint was made by Mr. T.M. Upali, a UNP Pradeshya Sabha member. The Pelmadulla Magistrates Court issued an arrest warrant for Deputy Minister of Power & Energy, Premalal Jayasekera, Minister Nilantha Jayakodi and Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Vajira Dharshana de Silva. 5th January, Misleading fake ballot papers distributed in several Districts CMEV received information regarding the distribution of false and misleading ballot papers(a photo of this ballot paper is attached) depicting erroneous symbols for the Common Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena and the United Socialist Party Candidate Sirithunga Jayasuriya within the Puttalam (Madurankulama and Arachchikattuwa), Kandy (Kundasale and Kandy Town), Batticaloa (Kalkuda) Anuradhapura (Kekirawa, Kalawewa, Anuradhapura West and Horowupothana), Badulla (Haputale), NuwaraEliya (Hatton), Monaragala (Bibile) and Trincomalee Districts. The fake ballot paper depicts a trishaw for Maithripala Sirisena (as opposed to the correct symbol of a swan) and an elephant for Sirithunga Jayasuriya (as opposed to the correct symbol of a trishaw), while the symbols of the remaining candidates including the incumbent president remained error free. CMEV, via its field monitor, has obtained a copy of the said misleading ballot paper at 1.30pm on the 5th of January from the 96th Junction area in Thissapura, Muttur, Trincomalee District, allegedly distributed by supporters of UPFA Thambalagamuwa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman ChampikaBandara. The CMEV Eastern Province Coordinator subsequently reported the incident to IP Seneviratne, OIC of the Thambalagamuwa Police Station who directed two police officers to the location. A complaint on the incident, bearing the number EIB 71/08 was also subsequently filed by the CMEV monitor. In Aarachchikattuwa, Halawatha, the said fake ballot papers were distributed on the 4th of January. According to North Western UNP Provincial Councillor Sisira Kumara, the ballots were allegedly distributed by Minister Neomal Perera’s supporter Jude and ten others. They were also distributed at a public street drama performed by UPFA supporters. CMEV is concerned by these incidents, which are a violation of election laws and are likely to confuse the public during the last few days leading up to polling day. CMEV has also raised the issue with the Commissioner of Elections urging immediate remedial action to ensure that the integrity of the election is not undermined by such actions. CMEV also welcomes information received of an arrest made in the Hatton area (alleged perpetrator DS Princes, van number 56-4918 as per the Hatton police station) in relation to this unlawful distribution. It commenced on the 31st of December 2014 and has been halted in the Bibile area upon the intervention of the Commissioner of Elections. 5th January – Clash between supporters of UNP and UPFA at Rambukkana, Kegalle CMEV received a report regarding a clash between supporters of the UNP and UPFA in front of the Rambukkana Train Station.

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Statement on elections poll falsely attributed to CPA

Media reports, Press Releases /

5 January 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is aware that a poll purportedly done by CPA projecting the results of the Presidential election is being circulated in the mainstream media and online. It first appeared on a Facebook page called “We vote Mahinda Rajapaksha” which is linked to the official website of the incumbent. Furthermore, the edition of the Silumina on Sunday (4thJanuary) claimed that since the poll showed a Mahinda Rajapaksha victory, CPA deliberately suppressed it. CPA issued a disclaimer in the first instance and wishes to point out that in one instance we are supposed to have published the results of a poll projecting a Mahinda Rajapaksha victory and in another suppressed it! It is clear that those behind this misinformation are very keen to have CPA validation of their work and objectives. CPA wishes to state that this is NOT a CPA survey and that the results of any CPA survey have NOT been suppressed on the grounds, as implied, that they are disappointing and not in line with the supposed political objectives of the organization. The results of CPA surveys can be accessed on the CPA website.

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CPA denies producing poll

Media reports /

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), has denied that they compiled the recently publicised poll predicting Mahinda Rajapaksa would win the election. Executive director of CPA, Dr. P. Saravanamuttu, told The Colombo Post that in the first instance a poll purportedly carried out by CPA was promoted online with a direct link to the President’s official website stating Rajapaksa would win. CPA at the time denied having produced such a poll. He went on to state that on Sunday the state owned Silumina carried a front page story accusing CPA of suppressing a poll that presented Rajapaksa as a winner of the election. The article went on to further say that members of foreign diplomatic missions in Colombo had contacted CPA and instructed them to suppress such information. Both allegations have been vehemently denied by Saravanamuttu who described the acts by members of the government as “pure acts of desperation”. He further added that all polls conducted by CPA can be accessed online. View the article published in the Colombo Post here.

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#IVotedSL infographic: Voter turnout at Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka

Awareness & Advocacy, Presentations, Resources /

Voting is an important civic responsibility and one way all of us exercise and enjoy our Sovereignty. This responsibility becomes particularly important during a Presidential Election, because of the immense power vested in this office. With just a few days more for the 2015 Presidential Election, follow and support #IVotedSL, a trilingual campaign launched by Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) to encourage citizens to exercise their right to franchise. Why should you care? For starters, see the vast powers the office of the Executive President commands in Sri Lanka. Today, we release another infographic around how one in four registered voters in Sri Lanka, in the past, have not voted at a Presidential Election. We can and must change this. Change your profile today encourage your friends, family and colleague to go out and vote. To access our badges, logos and profile pics click here.

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Presidential Election 2015: Media Communiqué 12

Press Reports, Situation Updates /

Download this PR as a PDF here, and in Sinhala here. ### On 4th January 2015 at 2.00 am: CMEV is seriously concerned about an assault on two election officers allegedly by supporters of Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Susantha Punchinilame in Trincomalee around 6.30pm on 4 January. The incident occurred in front of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) party office in Mattakkalli Junction, Trincomalee. When the CMEV monitor inquired from the Deputy Election Commissioner in the area, Sajith Welgama, he informed CMEV that he was on his way from Mahadivulwewa after shutting down an unauthorised UPFA party office. He had ordered his colleagues to remove all types of election material such as cut outs and posters of President Rajapaksa which were put up inside the Morawewa Buddhist Temple premises. When he arrived at the UPFA party office in Mattakkalli, there was a movie in favour of Mahinda Rajapaksa being shown to the public in front of that office. Subsequently he had requested that the movie not be displayed outside the office and to display it inside the office. It was at this time when the supporters of Deputy Minister Punchinilame assaulted two election officers who had accompanied Mr. Welgama. There was also a power cut when this attack had taken place. When CMEV contacted the Election Commissioner’s office in Trincomalee regarding this incident, they refused to give further details as the investigations were ongoing but confirmed that the incident was true. CMEV had a similar response from the Trincomalee Police Station. Meanwhile, the CMEV monitor who was at the Trincomalee Police Station soon after the assault informed that the two suspects who were arrested by the Trincomalee Police Station in connection with the assault were released after Deputy Minister Punchinilame arrived at the Police Station. CMEV is alarmed that supporters of politicians feel they can assault public officials carrying out their official tasks in connection with the forthcoming Presidential election and be released without due process being followed. CMEV urges the authorities including the Police to take all necessary steps within their purview to prevent violence and hold perpetrators of violence to account. CMEV also urges candidates and political parties to ensure that their supporters and offices operate within the framework provided for elections.

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Presidential Election 2015: Media Communiqué 11

Press Releases, Situation Updates /

Download this update as a PDF here. On 4th January 2015 at 1.00 pm: 02nd January, Common Candidate Maithripala’s rally was attacked- Pelmadulla It was reported to CMEV that a public meeting conducted by Common Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena near Pelmadulla depot came under attack at about 7.20pm (2ndJan). As soon as the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Councilor Manjula Dias Wikramanayake’s speech was concluded, assailants aimed stones at Mr Sirisena, who was soon ushered away by his security officers. Pelmadulla Electorate Organizer H.D.D Senavirathne was injured and later admitted to the Pelmadulla Base Hospital. When CMEV spoke to Ratnapura Senior Superintendent of Police, Palitha Fernando, he said that he received a verbal complaint about this incident from the United National Party (UNP) headquarters “Sirikotha” operations unit. Officer-in-Charge L.P.K. Rajamanthri in Kahawatta Police Station stated that the situation was now under control and that two suspects have been arrested. Investigations are underway. The incident has been confirmed by Rathnapura District Election Operation Unit officer in charge K.T.M.P.D Thilakaratne. He also said that he was following up on the incident with the Kahawatta Police Station. Pelmadulla Base Hospital Medical officer in charge Dr. Waruna Sampath confirmed that Mr Senaviratne had been admitted to Hospital and that he had sustained minor injuries to the head. Army and Navy attempt to obtain details of polling centres from Assistant Election Commissioner, Mullaitivu Assistant Election Commissioner of Mullaitivu Mr R Saslaian reported to CMEV that he was requested to provide details of the polling centres of the Mullaitivu electorate, specifically the number of voters per polling station. According to Mr Saslaian two persons from the Navy approached him on January 1st requesting the above information. Mr Saslaian refused this request on the basis that he is not authorised to disclose it. Mr Saslaian informed the officers that if they wish to get this information they would have to obtain a letter of authorisation from the Election Commissioner. On January 2nd the same individuals had arrived at the Department of Elections, Mullativu and repeated the request, having identified themselves as being from the Nandikadal Navy Camp. Mr Saslaian had denied the request for the second time. On January 3rd an unidentified individual telephoned Mr Saslaian and requested the same information. Subsequently two Army officers approached Mr Saslaian and stated that Major Mendis had sent them to obtain the said details. Mr Saslaian denied this request, too. According to Mr Saslaian, the individuals had stated that the information requested was required for security purposes. He further stated that the information had already been made available to the Police, and that the Army and the Navy are not entitled to receive it unless the Election Commissioner grants written permission. CMEV states that it is incongruous for the Army and Navy to request for information for “security purposes”. There has been no public statement by any of the officials involved that the Army and Navy have been requested to support the Police to provide security on Election Day. 1st January attack on UNP office in Beliatta – Hambantota An attack on United National Party (UNP) Beliatta electorate organizer W.B.Wimal Jayasiri’s house at about 6.45pm yesterday (01st), was reported to CMEV. According to Mr. Jayasiri, a group of six people arrived in motorcycles while he was at a meeting with three (03) UNP supporters at the above location. Four (04) armed individuals with T56s fired shots into the sky, removed campaign decorations in the vicinity, entered the house and damaged furniture, destroyed important documents and assaulted his wife A.M.P Priyanka, whose forehead was injured as a result. Four motorcycles parked in their residence were also damaged. According to Mr.Jayasiri, they had threatened him and his family saying “Meh dewana wathawata kiyanne umbalata aye kiyanena. Umbala okkomala maranawa, 8 wenidata kohomath maranawa itakalin marun noka hitapan.” Furthermore he reported to CMEV that another complaint was previously made to the Beliatta Police Station about a similar assault and threat (on December 29th) on him (CIB (2) 347/446).CMEV contacted Beliatta Police officer in charge Mr. Wijerathne who confirmed that a complaint was filed about the previous incident. He added that two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and that further investigations are underway. He directed any further inquiries about the incident to the Police media spokesman and refused to give the complaint number. CMEV spoke to Hambantota District election operation unit who confirmed the receipt of the complaint on 01st January at about 8.30pm, and added that they visited the location at about 9.00pm. Mr. Jayasiri’s wife identified the persons to be ‘Karambakatiye Hichchi Malli’ and ‘Dammulle Gedara Sudda’. She also says that they were the same two people involved in the assault on the 29th. 3rd January attack and assault on postman in Badulla CMEV received a report of an assault in Badulla where a postman named Periyasami Gnanasekaram who was on duty in the Newburg area was attacked by a group of unidentified people who arrived in three vans. They had accused him of not attending meetings by United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Uva PC Minister Senthil Thondaman and beaten him, stolen valuable documents and personal belongings such as phone and his gold necklace. In the Police Complaint filed at the Ella Police Station (222/5) Mr. Gnanasekaram, says that 35 voting cards were stolen along with Rs 40,000. According to P.G. Gunawati, Post Master of Ella Post Office, the victim Periyasami was hospitalised. 3rd January, Clash between Puttalam UC Chairman K.A. Bais, his supporters and members of Puttalam Public Awareness Forum. A dispute between members of the Puttalam Public Awareness Forum (PPAF) and supporters of Urban Council Chairman K.A. Bais around noon on 3rd January was reported to CMEV. Police had called both parties to settle the dispute on January 3rd and the clash had occurred when both had left the Police. PPFA members had been attacked but no serious injury is reported. This second incident was also filed as a complaint by both parties EIB /1/15 and EIB / 2/ 15.This

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#IVotedSL | Exercise your vote on the 8th!

Photos, Press Releases /

Voting is an important civic responsibility and one way all of us exercise and enjoy our Sovereignty. This responsibility becomes particularly important during a Presidential Election, because of the immense power vested in this office. With less than one week to go for the 2015 Presidential Election, the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) officially launched #IVotedSL, a trilingual campaign to encourage citizens to exercise their right to franchise. The campaign calls on voters to take a public pledge that they will exercise their right to vote on January 8th. An individual can signify this pledge by changing their profile/account picture and cover/banner page on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or any other social media platform. On election day those who take the pledge can share through social media a picture of the fifth digit (little finger) of their left hand which is marked with indelible ink using the hashtag #IVotedSL. We’ve also created banners Editors of news media and bloggers can choose feature on their websites, in print or via television. All images are copyright free and available in Tamil, Sinhala and English variants. Download them all from http://bit.ly/ivotedsl. Over the new week, the #IVotedSL campaign will disseminate infographics on the importance of voting and encourages the general public to also share photos, memes and other media content depicting the importance of voting using the hashtag #IVotedSL. Our first infographic in this regard is below. 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 non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. CMEV does not support and or endorse any candidate or political party. #IVotedSL is meant to get citizens animated around the importance of exercising their vote. It is emphatically not aimed at the promotion or criticism of any particular candidate.

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