Sri Lanka Election Commissioner directs police chief to guarantee democratic rights of politicians in Kelaniya electorate

Sri Lanka Election Commissioner has in writing directed the Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya to guarantee the rights of all political parties and the independent groups to democratically engage in politics in the Kelaniya electorate.

The Election Commissioner has made this request following complaints received by him regarding a statement made by a government Minister that flags of parties other than those of the ruling party would not be allowed in his electorate.

Controversial Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs Mervyn Silva is accused of running an autocratic rule in his electorate of Kelaniya near the SriLankan capital.

Silva has said that only the ruling alliance constituent Sri Lanka Freedom Party will be given the opportunity to erect publicity hoardings in the electorate for the upcoming local government polls.

However, the Election Commissioner has instructed the police chief to remove all the illegal publicity material in the electorate.