Transparency International Sri Lanka has raised issues regarding public officers in senior roles, who are legally restricted from political activities, actively participating in campaigning both on the ground and via social media.
Local election monitors in Sri Lanka are sounding the alarm over the alleged misuse of state resources by President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s independent campaign for the 2024 presidential election. These concerns have prompted calls for the Election Commission to take immediate and decisive action to preserve the integrity of the electoral process.
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), a local affiliate of the global anti-corruption organization, has reported disturbing instances where government vehicles—specifically those from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the Sri Lanka Air Force—have been used for election-related activities. Additionally, TISL has raised issues regarding public officers in senior roles, who are legally restricted from political activities, actively participating in campaigning both on the ground and via social media.
TISL has lodged formal complaints with the Election Commission (EC) and relevant government heads, urging a review of the deployment and involvement of these public officers during the election period. Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of TISL, highlighted the problematic timing of recent government decisions, including the write-off of crop loans and the integration of school development officers into the teaching service. “While supporting beneficial policies is important, their announcement during an election period, seemingly favoring certain candidates, constitutes an abuse of power,” Perera stated during a press briefing in Colombo.
Perera further cautioned voters to remain vigilant against potential manipulation. “Citizens must ensure their votes are not bought or influenced unduly. The conduct of candidates now will reflect their potential leadership if elected,” she warned.
Inconsistencies in government actions
President Wickremesinghe, who has been overseeing the country’s economic recovery from a severe crisis, recently announced measures such as crop loan forgiveness and salary hikes for state employees, timed just before the ongoing postal votes. Critics, including Perera, argue that these actions may be designed to sway voter sentiment in Wickremesinghe’s favor.
Professor Arjuna Parakrama, Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), has also raised concerns about conflicts of interest arising from Wickremesinghe’s dual role as both an election candidate and the incumbent president. Parakrama criticized the reappointment of former Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara and Tourism Minister Harin Fernando as advisors for their previous ministries. These appointments, following a recent Supreme Court ruling, have been described by Parakrama as a way to continue utilizing state resources for the campaign.
He also noted inconsistencies in government actions, pointing out that salary increases for 16 state sector services and the military were announced just before postal voting began, despite previous claims of financial constraints when addressing demands from protesting state sector employees. “This timing raises concerns that such decisions are intended to influence the election outcome,” Parakrama suggested.
These developments underscore the pressing need for the Election Commission to address these issues promptly to ensure a free and fair election, reinforcing the democratic principles at the core of Sri Lanka’s presidential race.
