Vigilant on Misuse of Public Resources across the Country’ – TISL

Transparency International Sri Lanka Organization has initiated election monitoring efforts to oversee and hinder the improper use of State Resources occurring nationwide during the upcoming presidential election on September 21 in Sri Lanka.

The information was revealed during a unique press briefing at the TSL headquarters, aiming to inform the public about Transparency International Sri Lanka’s role in overseeing the upcoming presidential election.

Lawyer Nadishani Perera, who is the Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, along with lawyer Thushanie Kandilpana, the National Program Coordinator, and Gouriswaran Kiruparajah, the Senior Program Manager, spoke at the press briefing to outline TISL’s monitoring procedures in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has been actively working for 20 years to reduce bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka through official activities. TISL is focusing on monitoring the misuse of State Resources, particularly during election periods.

“If there is any misuse of public property during the election in the country, you can now report it through the newly established “Ape Salli” website (www.apesalli.lk) or by calling the hotline number 076 322 344 2.” Thushani Kandilpana, Attorney and national coordinator of Transparency International Sri Lanka, stated during the press conference.

“Regardless of their identity, anyone can report any misuse of State Resources they witness during the election” She clarified that the complaint must be accompanied by evidence of the misuse.

Thushani, the lawyer, mentioned that approximately 200 TISL observers have been sent out across the country at various levels to monitor the presidential election following its announcement, with hopes for a positive outcome in the observation process.

Nevertheless,” the TISL monitoring mission has thus far received numerous complaints, with the majority involving State resource misuse. Complaints have been sent to the Election Commission, which has acted upon them” She mentioned.

On 26 July 2024, the Election Commission announced the presidential election date through a notification in the gazette.

The Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has issued a circular to inform high officials of state corporations and boards about restrictions on recruitment, promotion, and transfer of officials during the election period, to prevent improper use of government property.

She stated that TISL is overseeing the misuse of state resources such as public officers, employees, knowledge, ability, time, government-owned buildings, vehicles, state money, and provisions.

When Mojo News reached out to multiple district observers (DOs) from TISL, they emphasized various road and sanitation projects, as well as distributing household items, food, and dry rations.

During the upcoming Presidential elections in Sri Lanka on 21 September 2024, voters will choose a president to serve a 5-year term. The current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is seeking re-election as an unaffiliated candidate. This would mark the first time a sitting president has sought re-election since Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2015. Additional contenders are Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“We urge the citizens to be vigilant and report any instances of their resources being used to support or harm a candidate during this election season, as public resources should not be used for partisan promotion.”

Attorney Thushani also asked all citizens to serve as election observers.

END.