Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) appeals to all parties concerned to create an environment conducive to the holding of a free and fair Presidential Election on Tuesday, 26 January.
TISL Executive Director, J C Weliamuna states in a media release:
“We are at the end of a vigorous Presidential Election campaign which was marred by a series of violent incidents.
Having watched the intensity of the election campaign closely, we urge the two key candidates that it is their responsibility to ensure that there will not be post-election violence at any level in any part of the country.
Being the first election to be held in all parts of the country following the dawn of peace, an extra burden lies with the government and the Elections Commissioner to ensure that facilities are provided for the voters in the North and East to exercise their fundamental right to vote. If, in any way, this right is hampered with, a sense of uneasiness may result leading to ethnic tension in the country.
It is our fervent hope that the voters, the political parties, the security forces, the police and the government will extend their utmost cooperation to the Elections Commissioner and his staff in conducting a peaceful election.
We appeal to the election staff to conduct the polls according to their conscience and strictly following the law.”
J.C Weliamuna
Executive Director
Transparency International Sri Lanka