Election Commission voices concerns over recent Cabinet decisions

• Election monitors slam Cabinet for promoting one candidate

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has expressed serious concerns over recent decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, some of which are perceived as clear endorsements of a candidate.   

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake stated that the Commission has no authority to halt any decisions made by the Cabinet.   

“However, the Commission has shared its apprehensions regarding recent approvals given by the Cabinet, recommending the deferral of certain decisions. For instance, the approval of a special monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to pensioners, effective from September, was one such matter. The Commission urged the government to implement it after October,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the Cabinet of Ministers has faced criticism for appearing increasingly subservient to proposals put forward by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, which election monitors claim promote a specific candidate.  

Commenting on the matter, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake condemned the recent Cabinet approvals, deeming them acts that promote one candidate.