Since the close of nominations on 16th February 2006, CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 274 incidents of election related violence. Of this total, 118 have been categorized as Major Incidents and of these, 73 are incidents of assault.

The highest numbers of Major Incidents have been reported in the Colombo District (34), Gampaha District (32), Anuradhapura District (24), Kurunegala District (23), Ratnapura District (21) and Kandy District (17). The highest numbers of Assaults have occurred in the North Western Province (17). There have been 14 incidents involving the use of fire arms.

Gampaha District – Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha

CMEV monitors in Weyangoda reported an incident in which it is alleged that Mr.Gihan Chinthaka UPFA Candidate for Attanagalla Pradheshiya Sabha, displayed campaign propaganda material following the end of the campaign period in Weyangoda town.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Mr.Gihan Chinthaka had displayed propaganda material in the midst of Weyangoda town, soon after the end of the campaign period, in clear violation of Elections Law. It is also alleged that this candidate had threatened other opposition party officers in the Weyangoda town.

Mr.T.N.G Gamini, UNP Candidate for Attanagalle PS, has lodged a complaint with Weyangoda Police on 28TH March, protesting over the conduct of Mr.Gihan Chinthaka, and also over alleged misconduct of Weyangoda Police, alleging that Police is not taking action over this incident.

When contacted by CMEV, Weyangoda Police failed to provide neither any clarifications nor any information regarding this incident due to unavailability of Police Elections Branch personnel.

Monaragala District- Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha

Mr.H.M.D Herath JVP Candidate for Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha had lodged a complaint with Kataragama Police, alleging that he was assaulted by group of unknown individuals at around 2430hrs, 28th March in the vicinity of his residence in Nethugama, in Kataragama area.

When contacted by CMEV, Mr.H.M.D Herath stated that he was assaulted by a group of people when he was walking towards his house, and was later admitted to Kataragama Hospital and released few hours later following treatment for minor injuries.

Furthermore, Mr.Herath added that although he cannot identify his assailants, he believes that his assailants were members of the UPFA. However, when contacted by CMEV, Mr.M.M Sunil, JVP organizer for Kataragama area, alleged that this assault was led by UNP supporters.

Sgt.Nandasena of Kataragama Police stated that no suspects have been identified in connection with this incident and stated that the Police are conducting further investigations.

Kegalle District- Kegalle Municipal Council

Mr.M.G.R Dayananda, UPFA Candidate for Kegalle Municipal Council was assaulted by a group of UNP supporters led by UNP candidate Mr.Laxman Dissanayake at around 2430hrs, 28th March.

It is alleged that Mr.Dayananda was a former supporter of UNP , who was also the former deputy mayor of Kegalle MC, who had crossed over to the UPFA recently and according to CMEV Monitors an argument had broken out between Mr.Dayananda and Mr.Dissanayake, which was followed by the former getting assaulted by supporters of UNP.

Furthermore, it is alleged that following the assault Mr.Dayananda was admitted to Kegalle Base Hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries. Later, Mr.Dissanayake had appeared before the Kegalle Police, and was produced before Kegalle Magistrate over this incident. He was subsequently released on bail.

A complaint was made to the Kegalle Police by Mrs.R.M Janaranjani, wife of Mr.Dayananda at around 1045hrs, 29th March under EIB 41/49.

Ratnapura District- Ratnapura Municipal Council

CMEV monitors in Ratnapura report that a number of Candidates representing major Political parties are currently involved in campaigning in the Ratnapura Township on the eve of the Elections Day.

Some of the campaign vehicles that are involved in illegal campaigning at the time of writing include vehicle No.52-4216 displaying propaganda material of UPFA Candidate Mohamed Sriyan, Vehicle No. 31 Sri 2001, displaying propaganda material of UNP candidate Nimal Dayawansha.

Dr. P. Saravanamuttu Co-Convenor	Sunila Abeysekera Co-Convenor	Seetha Ranjani Co-Convenor