Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), in its role as an election watchdog that scrutinizes the misuse of public resources for election propaganda during the Presidential Election 2024, highlights that the Government’s recent pre-poll announcements on providing various subsidies and salary increments are a blatant and intentional violation of election laws.
The Government last week announced that the Cabinet has approved 24-35 per cent salary increase for all public servants, together with Rs. 25,000 Cost of Living allowance, from January 2025. The public service cadre amounts to about 1.5 million in Sri Lanka and almost all of them are voters. In addition, it has promised Rs. 12,000 Cost of Living allowance for pensioners. Cabinet approval was also granted to provide a fuel subsidy for fisher-folk and a fertiliser subsidy for tea growers with effect from August 22. The minimum wage for plantation workers was also raised to Rs. 1,700 recently.
The Government has nowhere explained by what means it is going to raise the money for the recently announced subsidies and pay hikes. However, TISL notes that it is by no means against the provision of subsidies for the people or benefits for the public officers, but is against the timing of them. The law clearly states that any use of public resources in a manner that would directly or indirectly promote or harm a candidate is prohibited during the election period.
TISL has filed a significant number of complaints with the Election Commission regarding these pressing issues. As of Friday, August 23, TISL has submitted over 80 complaints concerning allegations of misuse of public resources. It is reported that a considerable number of such violative activities have been addressed by the Commission’s intervention. TISL commends the Commission for taking swift actions.
However, TISL is deeply concerned by the rising number of complaints on misuse of public resources and the abuse of power to promote certain candidates as the country approach a crucial Presidential Election. Such actions constitute clear violations of election laws and the guidelines set forth in CIRCULARS/GAZETTES 2394/56 of the Election Commission.
TISL strongly urges the Election Commission of Sri Lanka to take swift and stringent measures to curb practices that undermine the integrity of a free and fair election.
The continuation of such activities by the current government under the incumbent President, who is also a presidential candidate, represents a blatant misuse of executive powers for personal political gain. TISL unequivocally condemns all actions, which disrupts the equal playing field among the candidates.
Any actions that violate the election laws during a crucial election period compromise the citizen’s right to vote freely and independently and thereby distorting the democratic process. TISL calls for immediate and concrete action to restore electoral fairness and uphold democratic principles.