Election monitoring body, the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has directed the attention of the National Election Commission to PM Harini Amarasuriya’s recent statement directing party supporters on ways to conduct propaganda during the silent period of the Local Government Elections.
In a letter to the Election Commission, PAFFREL pointed out that the silent period of the Local Government Elections commenced from midnight on 03 May.
PAFFREL revealed that during a political rally in Moratuwa on Saturday, hours before the silent period commenced, PM Harini Amarasuriya had told National People’s Power (NPP) party supporters that they can carry out campaigning in subtle ways.
“In another 04 hours, we enter the silent period. But you don’t need to become silent. You can make phone calls and say out loud certain words when you walk on the road. You can do this,” the PM said.
Pointing out that it was a violation of the election law to carry out propaganda activities during the silent period, PAFFREL deemed a statement by the Prime Minister on ways to bypass the law a violation of the election law and disregard for the law.
PAFFREL further said that such a statement by the Prime Minister, who is a key politician, was a threat to the good political culture of the country.
As such, PAFFREL called on the Election Commission to conduct a probe and take necessary action, as this was considered a threat to a free and fair election.
The matter has been raised in view of the 2025 Local Government Elections scheduled to be held tomorrow (06 May). (Newswire)
PM Harini advises their party members on how to break the election laws. #Lka pic.twitter.com/LtBlRtciR2
— Manjula Basnayake (@BasnayakeM) May 5, 2025
