Uniformed nurses at AKD’s meeting spark controversy

30 July 2024 07:31 am Views - 74

• Election Commission says it is not an issue
• Poll observers believe otherwise

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By Sheain Fernandopulle

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The National Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the participation of government nurses in uniform at the National All Ceylon Nurses’ Conference, held under the patronage of National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, does not constitute a violation of election regulations. 

Addressing concerns raised by various quarters, a senior EC official told Daily Mirror that such participation is permissible under the Establishment Code governing public servants.
“It is not an election violation as long as it has been done according to the Establishment Code,” the official said, highlighting that public servants retain the right to support any political party.

The official said that the conference in question was more focused on professional matters rather than a political gathering.

Sources familiar with the matter also indicated that the Secretary to the Ministry of Health had granted duty leave for nurses to attend the National All Ceylon Nurses’ Conference.
However, the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has voiced dissent, alleging that the presence of government nurses in uniform at the conference constitutes a breach of both the Establishments Code and election regulations.

CaFFE has formally communicated its concerns to the Commission, contending that the use of taxpayer-funded uniforms for political purposes violates established norms and regulations.