By Ajithlal Shanthaudaya   

Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake requested new electors to use their vote with utmost intelligence and wisely without being misled by attempts of politicians to perk up electors and to gain political mileage by providing dry rations, liquor, and building materials, or else the country would be ruined.   Addressing a seminar at Godakawela Rahula National School to create awareness among the new electors in the Advanced Level classes in schools in the area, he stressed the need to take decisions based on policies and not on individuality.

“Today the country has been left without a strong government. It depends on other forces. Proportional system does not permit the formation of a strong government and it is a matter of serious concern. Proportional representation paves the way for clashes among the candidates of one party for preference.”   

“It is not possible to hold an election at the beck and call of different individuals. The Elections Commission has been empowered by law to hold elections on the due date regardless of whoever likes or dislikes it.”   

“The Presidential Election should be held after September 17, 2024 and the General Election on the due date. Provincial Council election has been postponed pending delimitation and so is the Pradeshiya Sabha election”   

Every citizen born on or before January 31,2006 is entitled to vote. Next year will be a year of elections.

 The new electors will have the opportunity to vote for the first time.  I request them not to vote at the instigation of anyone. Our elders for the last 75 years have failed to take right decisions and left us a bankrupt country. Please don’t be misled by one’s appearance, family background or lineage or vote at the instigation of your elders. You must take the right decision to make the country a better place to live”   

“I noticed a banner of this programme stressing the need of division of powers of the legislature, executive and the judiciary and that the powers, if accumulated in a single institution, would be the end of freedom,” Commissioner General of Elections further said.   

Working Director of PAFFREL Organisation Rohana Hettiarachchi. Asst. Commissioner of Elections, Ratnapura District Suranga Ambagahathenna, Addl. Commissioner of Elections Palitha Babdara, National Organiser of PAFFREL Sujeewa Gayanath, Principal of Rahula National School Kumari Ratnayaka and Principal of Kularatne Madya Maha Vidyalaya Ranjith Ileperuma were present at the occasion.