Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has instructed the government to suspend the distribution of a planned New Year relief package until after the conclusion of the upcoming local government elections.
In an official communication, the Commission informed relevant authorities that while the relief initiative can proceed, its distribution must take place only after the electoral process is completed, in order to maintain fairness and neutrality during the campaign period.
The government had intended to distribute relief bags valued at Rs. 5,000 to approximately 800,000 low-income beneficiaries through the Sathosa Alavishala network. The program, originally scheduled from April 1 to 13, was set to offer these bags at a subsidized cost of Rs. 2,500 to each recipient.
The Election Commission’s decision aims to prevent any perception of bias or undue influence on voters during the election period. Officials have been advised to postpone any related logistics or announcements until after polling concludes.
