As the Election Commission finds its feet to move on declaring a date for the Presidential Election, there is growing concern that a long-established practice of using state funds and assets to bolster the image of government figures in the run up to elections, has returned in force. Even though the date for the Presidential Election has not yet been announced, the state mechanism seems to already be in overdrive, celebrating the achievements of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, praise about government ministers who have ‘delivered’ following suite, undoubtedly with a General Election in mind.

This is a tactic every political party has used, when it was in power. And many only raise red flags about it, when they find themselves in the opposition, and with very little power.

It has been the system of governance in Sri Lanka that whoever is in power, normally acts desperately to remain in power. This holds true for the current administration of Ranil Wickremesinghe – Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) Government, who has spared no effort to remind the public that only they, and President Wickremesinghe can ensure Sri Lanka does not slide back into an abyss. When the ‘Urumaya’ land ownership programme commenced early this year, many observers rightfully pointed out that it is the opening salvo of Wickremesinghe’s election campaign. 

However, such criticism was brushed aside and the juggernaut that the state machinery can become when effectively mobilised, took off with carrying the Wickremesinghe banner. The airtime provided by state media institutions, hidden behind thinly veiled cover of discussing ‘Debt restructuring and economic recovery strategies’ has reminded many of the 1990’s state image boosting campaigns.    

Further, civil society activists have pointed out that since the new election expenditure-related laws become enforceable only after the submission of nominations, expenditures that precede the submission of nominations are not taken into account when monitoring election expenditures. They have argued that such delays in activation creates unfair challenges for less affluent, or less ‘connected’ political parties in the process of holding a free and fair election. Earlier this month several election watchdogs alleged that political parties, including the ruling and opposition parties, have already funded around 50% of their election campaigns. Leading election monitor, People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi, said that therefore to ensure the effectiveness of these laws, they should be enforceable from at least three months before the declaration of elections. However, this may be a little too late to impact this round of electoral process in Sri Lanka.

It is learnt that the Election Commission, plans to red flag the Presidential Secretariat about holding state-funded programmes such as 'Urumaya' and 'Jayagamu Sri Lanka’, minus the politicians given that the elections are to be declared soon (possibly this week). The move come in the wake of several opposition parties and election monitors raising concern about President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is anticipated to contest in the upcoming Presidential Election, is using public meetings including those related to 'Urumaya' and 'Jayagamu Sri Lanka', funded by public money, to bolster his image. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning on the matter, the EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake explained that since the Presidential Election is yet to be declared, they (EC) currently lack the authority to impose regulations on such matters. However, he said that the EC has decided to send a letter to the President's Secretary, Saman Ekanayake, regarding the conduct of public meetings associated with these programmes. "We will inform the President's Secretary to ensure that these meetings are held without the participation of politicians. They can be conducted with the involvement of Government officials." While it remains to be seen if such action will be taken, and if it will have any impact at all. Nevertheless, at least the fact that such an attempt was made by the EC is welcomed news.