The Election Commission is set to convene on the 21st of April in response to mounting complaints over recent comments made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the disbursement of funds to local government bodies.
The controversy centers on a speech delivered by the President during a public rally in the Mannar district, where he openly declared that financial allocations from the central government would be granted with ease—“with a blind eye”—to local authorities aligned with the National People’s Power (NPP). In contrast, he implied that councils not affiliated with his party would be subject to heightened scrutiny and hesitation when requesting government funds.
The remarks have sparked backlash from political opponents and civil society observers, who argue that the President’s statements could amount to undue influence over voters and raise serious concerns about fairness, equity, and the politicization of public resources during an election period.
According to an official spokesperson for the Election Commission, multiple complaints have been formally lodged, citing potential violations of electoral conduct and misuse of executive power. The Commission is now expected to examine these allegations during its upcoming session.
This development comes amid broader scrutiny over the role of the executive in shaping voter sentiment during the lead-up to local government elections. Critics warn that such public pronouncements could erode public trust in democratic processes and further polarize already tense political divisions.
While the President has yet to respond to the Election Commission’s concerns or clarify his remarks, the upcoming meeting may determine whether formal action or advisories are issued against him—or whether the matter will be dismissed without further consequence.
All eyes will be on the Commission’s deliberations, as many view this moment as a critical test of Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining a free and fair electoral environment.
