PAFFREL complains over neglect of election laws by certain Police HQIs

• Commends Sri Lanka Police for maintaining law and order during the 2024 Presidential Election, despite the absence of an IGP or Acting IGP

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

While appreciating the Sri Lanka Police for their efforts to maintain law and order despite the absence of an Inspector General of Police (IGP) or Acting IGP during the pre-presidential election period, the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has expressed concerns about non-implementation of election laws by certain officers.  

PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has informed the Chairman of the National Police Commission against the chief police inspectors at the Badulla and Vavuniya Headquarters for failing to enforce election laws.  

“We commend the Sri Lanka Police for maintaining law and order during the 2024 Presidential Election, despite the absence of an IGP or Acting IGP. We recognize the efforts of the Senior DIG in charge of elections, as well as the majority of senior police officers and Police OICs, who are working impartially to uphold election laws,” he said.  However, Hettiarachchi claimed that PAFFREL observers had reported instances where the chief police inspector at the Badulla Headquarters arrested several individuals for violating election laws but then released them arbitrarily.   

He said a certain officer had also consulted with senior officers regarding these actions.  

He also alleged that the Vavuniya Headquarters police inspector had neglected to address removing illegal poster cutouts, disregarding the instructions of the Assistant Election Commissioner.  

Hettiarachchi urged the Chairman of the National Police Commission to investigate these issues and take prompt action.