The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have come to an agreement where the JVP would send its agents to polling booths on 8 January to monitor the polls.
JHU General Secretary, Champika Ranawaka, speaking to Ceylon Today said it was…the JVP who could most successfully tackle the violence and intimidation at local level.
The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have come to an agreement where the JVP would send its agents to polling booths on 8 January to monitor the polls.
JHU General Secretary, Champika Ranawaka, speaking to Ceylon Today said it was…the JVP who could most successfully tackle the violence and intimidation at local level.
“We have asked the JVP to intervene to ensure security at the polling stations and they have agreed to do so. We believe that it is the JVP cadres who would be most suitable to tackle intimidation,” he said.
In accordance with the understanding between the two parties, the JVP would send their agents to all districts where the probability of election malpractice and violence would be high.
JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva, speaking to Ceylon Today explained, “With the current situation in the country there has been doubt with regard to a free and fair election. In such a background, certain parties within the Common Opposition have expressed their willingness to appoint our agents to represent them at polling stations, to act as observers. At the rural level too our own supporters have made this request from us. We believe that there is likelihood that the votes could be rigged at some polling stations. Thus we will commit to protect the people’s votes.”
Hence, JVP polling agents are to be deployed in the areas of Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Badulla and Moneragala districts.
The JVP General Secretary further stated, “We will ask the people to cast their vote without fear. From the time the vote is cast, we are prepared to ensure that it is protected. We will take on that responsibility.”
By Niranjala Ariyawansha/ Ceylon Today