Polls monitors, PHIs seek EC probe in distributing toddy at campaign rallies

• The distributed toddy was artificial and contained chemicals hazardous to human health

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

The independent polls monitors and Public Health Inspectors are seeking the intervention of the Election Commission to run a probe into the two recent incidents of distributing artificial bottled toddy at Presidential Election campaign rallies in the upcountry.   

The election observers who uncovered the case last week requested the Public Health Inspectors to urgently look into the matter as the toddy said to have been distributed among the estate sector workers was found to be inferior in quality.   

The PHI Union responding to the situation said that they have credible information that the distributed toddy was artificial and contained chemicals hazardous to human health.   

President PHI Union Upul Rohana told the media during the weekend that they are already probing the matter and would even seek a Government Analyst report on the health hazards of the items given away at campaign rallies.   

He said that the government authorities should look into this incident as they have received a number of complaints regarding the matter, including from the election observers.   

Executive Director Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies Manjula Gayanayake disclosed to the media last week that many tea and rubber estate sector managements have complained to them about the distribution of soft alcoholic beverage toddy during election rallies.