The National Election Commission says the government’s recent announcements on increments to salaries and allowances of public services do not affect the ongoing postal voting process. 

Addressing the media, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Ratnayake said that the Parliament is vested with powers to make decisions related to state finances. 

Saman Ratnayake pointed out that the current proposals on salary hikes are included in the Budget 2025 and are not immediate decisions being implemented.  

He further said that even though proposals are made to increase salaries, they have to be presented to Parliament and thereafter approved by Parliament. 

Responding to questions if the recent developments could potentially influence voters, Ratnayake said that government employees are well aware of the electoral process. 

Ratnayake called on all parties to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines, stressing that their actions must not sway or influence voters in any manner. “It is the responsibility of all parties to ensure an environment to conduct a free and fair election,” he said.

The Commissioner General of Elections’ comments come after concerns were raised by various parties, including election monitoring bodies, over the government’s announcement that public service salaries and allowances will be increased with effect from January 1, 2025.

The government yesterday announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the final report of the Presidential Expert Committee appointed to make recommendations related to the salaries and allowances of public services.

Various parties argue that the announcement is a violation of election laws, as the proposals were being made under the government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a Presidential candidate, ahead of the Presidential polls. (Newswire)

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The Presidential Election will be conducted during the stipulated time, the Commissioner General of Elections Saman Ratnayake has assured.

Speaking during an event in Galle recently, Ratnayake said the tenure of the President elected in November 2019 ends in November 2024.

He explained that as per the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the term of five years for an elected President does not change even if a President steps down during the period and another person takes over.

As per the law, the election must be held one month before the conclusion of the incumbent President’s term, Ratnayake said. 

The Commissioner General of Elections further said that the National Election Commission is responsible for holding the Presidential Election during the stipulated period as per the law. (NewsWire)

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