(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –Sri Lanka Police request the candidates contesting the local government election son February 10th to carry out their propaganda within the legal framework specified in the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance.
At a media briefing yesterday in Colombo, Police Media Spokesperson Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara reveled an attempt to buy polling cards in Beruwela.
He said that two people were arrested in Beruwela area for buying polling cards and National Identity Cards (NICs) on behalf of a candidate. The suspects have paid the water bills and electricity bills of the voters in exchange for the polling cards.
The two suspects and the candidate on whose behalf the suspects were attempting to steal the public’s right for democracy, have been produced before the Kalutara Magistrate Court. The main suspect was remanded till February 12th while other two have been released under strict bail conditions.
Minister Rajitha Senaratne addressing a public rally yesterday said a group of independent candidates has provided money for the suspects to buy the polling cards.
The two suspects have revealed that there are 56 people in their network. The police are conducting investigation to find the candidate responsible for the voter fraud.
The Police Spokesman said strict legal action will be taken also against the candidate, to set an example for candidates contesting future elections.
The police will present the information about the candidate to the courts and he will be charged after obtaining advice of the Attorney General, the Police Spokesman said.
He said if the suspects were found guilty in the court they will losing their voting rights for seven years. In addition, in the event of the candidate securing a seat at the local election, he will lose the seat.
The police spokesman therefore requested the island wide candidates to engage in propaganda activities only within the legal framework.
