Public buildings turned into campaign hubs: Schools and buildings misused- TISL

• 758 complaints, with 343 specifically related to misuse of public resources

By Leenah Wahab  

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) reported widespread misuse of public property including state-owned grounds, government  offices, buildings, and schools.   

The National Election Observation Programme inducted by  TISL has recorded a distressing 758 complaints, with 343 concerning the  mismanagement of public resources for election campaigning as of  September 11, 2024. The programme has stationed 177 election observers  across the country who, in addition with the public platform  ‘apesalli.lk.’ “Following verification, the complaints have been  referred to the Election Commission, whose interventions have, in some  instances, led to preventative measures,” according to TISL.  

“Complaints detail instances where such premises were used  without paying the required fees, were reserved for one candidate or  political party for extended periods or were adorned with poster and  cutouts in blatant violation of election laws,” TISL wrote.  

The exploitation of skills, knowledge and working hours of  public officials for political propaganda proved the second-highest  category of complaints with 117 accounts of misuse. TISL stated that  they have received evidence-backed reports of senior officials with  limited political rights actively campaigning for political parties or  candidates both in person and on social media, in breach of electoral  regulations.  

TISL has received 45 complaints related to the distribution  of food, money and other subsidies, 32 complaints concerning the misuse  of state vehicles, 30 complaints about misconduct by election campaign  offices, 26 complaints linked to the manipulation of state-sponsored  development projects and the distribution of livelihood grants and  allowances for campaigning and 26 regarding misuse of public funds to  further their political agenda. 
The organisation further uncovered seven  instances of unwarranted promotion, demotion or transfer of officials  during the election period.  

District-wise, Kegalle recorded the highest number of  complaints with 186. Colombo and Galle followed with 71 and 51  complaints, respectively. Ampara reported the fewest complaints with  two, while Kurunegala and Mullaitivu recorded six and seven complaints,  respectively.  

These reports come in the wake of improper use of  government vehicles, including those of the state-owned Sri Lanka  Transport Board (SLTB) and the Sri Lanka Air Force and unlawful  government handouts. As political campaigns continue to bend the rules,  the integrity of the electoral hangs in balance, leaving voters  questioning their ability to cast their ballots without undue influence.