• Takes umbrage with Southern Governor’s alleged ‘employment’ of LG politicos  
• EC warns that LG law is still operative 

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) of the Parliamentary Opposition filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) yesterday (2), against Southern Province Governor Lakshaman Yapa Abeywardena for allegedly violating election laws by appointing former Local Government (LG) Councilors and Members as his representatives at a time when the LG Elections are indefinitely postponed.

Speaking to the media, member of the NPP’s Executive Committee and former Parliamentarian, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa highlighted the gravity of the situation, claiming that the Governor's actions could enable the ex-LG Councilors and Members to misuse the funds allocated for LG institutions during the Election period. 

“This action taken by the Governor is a serious violation of the election laws and it would allow the ex-LG Councilors and Members to use the money allocated for the LG institutions for Elections. Most of these appointees have submitted nominations for the upcoming LG Elections. So, this is not appropriate,” Jayatissa asserted. 

According to Jayatissa, ex-Pradeshiya Sabha Members and Chairpersons have been appointed by Abeywardena in a manner that 'blatantly' disregards election regulations. He alleged that the Governor had made these appointments despite being aware of their illegality. 

“Abeywardena had intentionally made these appointments, knowing that this is against the election laws,” Jayatissa claimed further, claiming that the Governor had informed the appointees that while the EC would likely oppose this action, they should continue their work as there would be no repercussions.

Several attempts made to contact the Southern Province Governor's Office and Election Commissioner General, Saman Sri Ratnayake proved futile.

However, the EC stated that despite the deferral of the 2023 LG Elections, the LG Elections laws remain in effect as the Polls have not been completed. It highlighted that accordingly, the LG elections laws are still effective as per Article 104(a) of the Constitution. Thus, the EC warned that during this period, it is not permitted for anybody to act in a way that promotes any specific political party, candidate, or political group. Furthermore, the EC has informed all the heads of public institutions through a circular and a gazette extraordinary that no State property shall be utilised for this purpose. 

The Election regulatory body further emphasised that the violation of these guidelines during this period is a punishable offence. Furthermore, the EC urged all parties to comply with the provisions and circulars issued by the EC in order to conduct the upcoming Polls in a free and fair manner.