A political firestorm has erupted after Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was caught on record making remarks that critics say openly encourage violating election laws during the silent period before polls.
Speaking at a final public rally ahead of the local government elections, the Prime Minister stated, “We will be silent in another four hours. You don’t have to be silent. You can make a telephone call, say something while walking on the road, and do the job of the shape.” The statement has drawn immediate backlash, with accusations that the Prime Minister was effectively instructing her supporters to continue campaigning even after the legally mandated cutoff time.
Under Sri Lankan election law, all campaign activities must cease by midnight on the eve of election day this year, that deadline fell on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) swiftly responded, with Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman submitting a formal complaint to the Election Commission. The complaint calls for legal action against the Prime Minister for what the party describes as a blatant disregard for electoral regulations.
The controversial remarks have sparked debate over the ethical boundaries of political leadership and the integrity of the election process. As the Election Commission begins reviewing the complaint, the nation waits to see whether there will be accountability at the very top or another political scandal swept under the rug.
