2013-09-15
Introduction
Sri Lankan election laws forbid the use of public property during periods when elections are held. Numerous circulars and establishment codes attempt to prevent such abuses during election periods. It is also prohibited for state employees to engage in party politics. However, interest groups and local and international election observers continuously point at instances of misuse of public properties like public buildings, manipulation of state media and vehicles and the misuse of state employees’ time including military and police personnel to support election campaigns as well as party campaigns in election-free periods. Apart from damaging electoral competitiveness, misuse of public property by the incumbent Government political party has a negative impact on the quality of governance as funds and resources earmarked for necessary projects are diverted for electioneering.
sign – Sanjeewa Madushan
