JVP accuses govt. of sabotaging PC elections

By Lakna Paranamanna

The JVP yesterday accused the government of violating regulations which promote a free and fair Western Provincial Council election, noting that blatant misuse of state property and public officials was at an all time high.
JVP Kalutara District Group Leader Nalinda Jayatissa, speaking at a press briefing held yesterday, said that the government was already violating the terms of a free and fair election.

“Some of the UPFA candidates have been using government vehicles for campaigning work.” he charged , citing the following vehicle numbers : KC 8006, KA 9986 and KA 1810.
He also pointed out that the government was using many methods, foremost of which was the visual media to promote its campaigning work, based on the time which some of the leading media had reserved for each political party. According to him, the state media has been using 100% of their airing time on stories which promotes the UPFA.
He revealed that some of the candidates of the UPFA have even started having political meetings in schools when the parent teacher conferences are being held. He said that this has been happening in Beruwala for the past week.
JVP Group Leader for the Gampaha District, Waruna Rajapaksa stated that dissolving the Western Provincial Council for elections was an unnecessary move. “The Western Province election is being held eights months prior the due period. We need to know what prompted the government to make such a move.” He pointed out that when the government is claiming that the war will be over in a couple of months, it is questionable as to why the government is not waiting until the war situation clears, to have the election.
Rajapaksa also complained that now, conducting the campaigning work for the elections had become a challenging issue. “After the explosion which took place recently in Akurassa, now the contesting political parties that wish to organise rallies have to obtain special permission. This is not a practical move at all!”
He also accused the government of misusing the mandate of the masses. He claimed that they are on the verge of dividing the country. “The government has announced that they have plans of implementing the 13th Amendment and empowering the Provincial Councils with Police power and authority over land. Even the Foreign Minister stated that a power devolution scheme which exceeds the 13th Amendment will be exerted. This 13+ has still not been even made clear to the public,” pointed out Rajapaksa, adding that the government is on the verge of dividing the country and betraying the mandate of the masses and the victories achieved by the troops.