• Warns that poll regs. violations may, even if elected, lead to suspension of office, loss of civic/voting rights
• To forward public complaints on spending-related concerns to Police

The Election Commission (EC) warned that any Presidential candidate who violates election-related regulations, including those pertaining to campaign financing may face severe penalties, including the suspension of office, the loss of civic rights, and the revocation of voting rights, even if elected as the President.

Speaking to the media yesterday (20), EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that the Gazette notification pertaining to expenditure limits on the Presidential Election was issued, setting the permissible spending limit at Rs. 109 per voter, with a total of Rs. 1. 86 billion for the entire voter population. He emphasised that candidates must adhere to these limits and submit their expenditure reports to the EC within 21 days after the Election concludes. 

He further said: “If anyone is concerned about a particular candidate's spending during the electoral process, they can lodge complaints with the EC and the District Election Offices. We will forward such complaints to the Police Department. The subsequent legal action will be initiated by the Police in consultation with the Attorney General. Penalties for overspending and other offences are outlined in the Constitution and the Presidential Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981. These punishments may include the disqualification to hold office, and being deprived of civil and voting rights.”

Meanwhile, Presidential candidate representing the United Lanka People's Party (Eksath Lanka Podujana Pakshaya) Janaka Ratnayake revealed that the mainstream Presidential candidates are expected to spend between Rs. 3 and Rs. 5 billion on their election campaigns in the next 30 days. Speaking to the media at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Temple, he expressed concern about such excessive spending in the midst of prevailing economic difficulties in the country. When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether he would challenge the limits imposed by the EC before courts, Ratnayake said that he did not plan to do so as the EC is authorised to make the final call.

Elsewhere, independent Presidential candidate Roshan Ranasinghe has called on both the EC and the public to monitor Presidential campaign expenditures closely. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ranasinghe expressed concerns about the significant sums of money being allocated by mainstream candidates, suggesting that many are disregarding the EC's regulations. 

“Almost all the mainstream candidates have allocated a large amount of money for their campaigns regardless of the regulations imposed by the EC,” Ranasinghe claimed. He emphasised his own stance on campaign-related spending, indicating that he would not be able to spend Rs. 109 per voter. Instead, he vowed to implement cost-cutting measures if elected. 

“I will not be able to spend Rs. 109 per voter, yet, I promise to cut expenditures on privileges enjoyed by the President if elected,” he said. He further committed to personally covering the costs of any privileges that he may receive as the President, a move he believes will set a precedent for future leaders. “An official vehicle and a residence would be given to anyone who is elected as the President. I would not get anything free. I would assess the value of the car and the residence and pay a rental for those two,” he explained. 

He also highlighted his past conduct as a Minister, stating: “Unlike the other Presidential candidates, I have already set an example during my tenure as a Minister. I have never spent a single Rupee from the Government for my foreign trips.” He also urged other Presidential candidates to outline their strategies for combating corruption, rather than making empty promises. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership, encouraging the public to be wary of candidates who appear to be using vast financial resources to sway voters.

A Gazette notice was issued by the EC on Monday (19), outlining the maximum amount a Presidential candidate can spend per voter, and the total budget of a candidate’s election campaign. The maximum amount a Presidential candidate can spend per voter registered in the voter list is Rs. 109, while the total budget of a candidate’s election campaign should not exceed Rs. 1,868,298,586. The EC stated that these limits were set after consulting with all Presidential candidates including those representing recognised political parties, and other political parties, and independent candidates.