NEC recognises five political parties including PHU

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The National Election Commission yesterday recognised five political parties including the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) as accepted political parties for the year 2020.   

The Commission said  applications were called for the recognition of political parties in January 2020 through a public announcement and 154 applications  had been received.   

Following a preliminary examination of the applications received, interviews were conducted for 121 
political parties.   

Accordingly, the newly recognised political parties  were Arunalu Janatha Peramuna, Janatha Seveka pakshaya , New Democratic Marxist, Leninist Party, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Samaththuva Kachchi and Sinhala Rawaya.   
The political parties were registered in terms of the powers vested in the Elections Commission under Sections 7 (4) and (5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 01 of 1981.   

Meanwhile, there are currently 70 recognised political parties in Sri Lanka.   

The political parties were registered in terms of the powers vested in the Elections Commission under Sections 7 (4) and (5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 01 of 1981.