Since the close of nominations on 7th October 2005, CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 262 incidents of election related violence. Of this total, 87 have been categorized as Major Incidents and of these, 44 are incidents of assault. The highest number of Major Incidents have been reported in the Puttlam District (12), Colombo District (10), Galle District (09), Gampaha District (08) and Badulla District (07). The highest number of Assaults have occurred in the North Western Province (16). There have been 15 incidents involving the use of fire arms. Three each have taken place in the Eastern and Western Provinces respectively. Two cases of Arson have been reported, both from the Galle District.

Western Province

Kalutara District

Death Threat in Panadura - The Panadura Police is investigating a death threat to Mr. M Sarath Kulanga, a Music Teacher at St. John’s College, Panadura. He has been threatened over the phone, since 25th October 2005, allegedly by an unidentified group of persons with regard to an advertisement telecast on two private TV channels in support of the UNP. The complaint has been made directly to the Police Head Quarters (EIB- 02/13) though the Panadura Police. Investigations are continuing.

Mr. M Sarath Kulanga, when contacted by CMEV stated that at present he and members of his family continue to be threatened over the phone.

When contacted, Mr. M Wimalaranga (SI), Special Crime Branch of Panadura Police informed CMEV that all the telephone numbers in connection with this incident of threat have been found and that further investigations are being conducted.

Gampaha District

Assault in Divulapitiya - Three JVP supporters (APKJ Adikari, TP Chandrasiri and S Milanka) were assaulted allegedly by a group of UNP supporters of the Divulapitiya Organizer Mr. Kithsiri Manchanayake, at around 1.30 a.m. on 4th November 2005 at Divulapitiya bus stand. The victims were pasting posters for a meeting of the National Bikkhu Front when the alleged UNP supporters traveling in a light blue van, bearing No. 63-3284 attacked them.

When contacted, APKJ Adikari, one of the victims of this incident, informed CMEV that the alleged suspects attempted to abduct him and his colleagues. The mobile patrol team of Divulapitiya Police had intervened and arrested four suspects (BSK Perera, KAP Suranga, NPPG Ranjan and HN Chandrananda).

CMEV contacted OIC Mr. Nishantha Perera (IP) of Divulapitiya Police regarding this incident (EIB – 325/34). He informed CMEV that legal proceedings against the suspects will be initiated. Further investigations are being conducted to apprehend others involved in the incident. According to the Divulapitiya Police, amongst the suspects yet to be apprehended is Mr. Hasitha Wijesinghe, a UNP member of the Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha.

According to CMEV Field Monitor reports, Mr. Hasitha Wijesinghe has been admitted to the Negombo Base Hospital and later transferred to ward No. 72 of the General Hospital, Colombo.

CMEV contacted Mr. Kapila Chandrasoma, the Coordinating Secretary of Divulapitiya UNP organizer Mr. Kithsiri Manchanayake regarding this hospitalization. He informed CMEV that the JVP supporters attacked Mr. Hasitha Wijesinghe and other UNP supporters and as a result Mr. Hasitha Wijesinghe was admitted to the Hospital with injuries.

When CMEV further contacted the Divulapitiya Police for further clarification, OIC Mr. Nishantha Perera (IP) confirmed that Mr. Hasitha Wijesinghe was injured when he tried to escape from the Police during the incident.

Uva Province

Badulla District

Hurt in Uva Paranagama - Mr. RM Premathilake, a supporter of the UNP was stabbed allegedly by Mr. WM Jayaratne, a supporter of the UPFA at around 7.00 p.m. on 27th October 2005 at Unapana in Madawala. Later the victim was admitted to the Diyatalawa hospital where he was treated for stab wounds. When contacted, Diyatalawa Hospital sources informed CMEV that the victim had been discharged on the same day as he had received minor injuries in this incident.

SI, Mr. AL Gamage, OIC elections of Uva Paranagama Police informed CMEV that suspect WM Jayaratne had been taken into custody and later released on bail. Police investigations are underway in connection with this incident. (EIB – 1/2005)

When contacted by CMEV, Mr. Upali Samaraweera, a UNP member of Uva Provincial Council and also the UNP organizer for Uva Paranagama alleged that the attack had been well planned by UPFA supporters. He further stated that the victim has been discharged without proper treatment and due to political influence, despite having received serious injuries.

Mr. AM Buddhadasa, a UPFA member of Uva Provincial Council and also the UPFA organizer of Uva Paranagama, when contacted by CMEV stated that UPFA representatives were unaware of the said incident.

Hurt in Hali-Ela - Badulla Police is investigating an incident of hurt. Mr. GHS Goonawardane, the President of Hali-Ela UNP cluster committee, was attacked allegedly by UPFA supporters, at Jagulla junction, when he was going to Jagulla Viharagoda temple with his family members on 30th October 2005. Later the victim was admitted to Badulla General Hospital where he was treated for facial wounds.

SI Saman Perera, OIC - Elections of Badulla Police, when contacted, informed CMEV that the alleged perpetrators (K Ranasinghe, KD Jayawardana and IM Mubarak) have been arrested and later released on bail. (EIB -80/195)

Mr. Sujeewa Jayasinghe, the UNP Organizer of Badulla Polling Division informed CMEV that this incident of hurt has been a well-planned attack of the alleged UPFA supporters and in addition he stated that the victim had received serious injuries in this incident.

When contacted by CMEV Mr. Marshal Perera, who was at the Hali-Ela UPFA party office informed that they are unaware of the said incident.

Southern Province

Galle District

Galle District- Karandeniya Polling Division- Arson

Mr. K.A Abeyrathne, the Chairman of Karandeniya UNP Cluster Society informed CMEV of an incident of Arson, where a UNP party office was set on fire allegedly by UPFA supporters on 31st October, 2005 around 12 noon at Thanabeddegama in the Ethkandura area of the Karandeniya Polling Division. Mr. K.A Abeyrathne added that around Rs.10, 000.00 worth of property was damaged due to the arson, and stated that a complaint was lodged with Elpitiya Police (EIB 219/02).

When contacted by CMEV, OIC of Elpitiya Police, IP T.C Weththasingha, confirmed that the Police is conducting further investigations and added that this may be an incident related to the forthcoming elections. However, on behalf of the UPFA, Mr. Kamal Kaariyawasam, JVP member of Karandeniya PS denied any involvement of party supporters and added that this incident is due to an internal struggle within the UNP in the area.

Alleged Misuse of State Property in Hiniduma - The Neluwa Police is investigating an incident of the misuse of State property allegedly by UPFA supporters. According to the CMEV Field Monitor reports, a cab bearing No. 253-1586 of Ministry of Technical, Vocational Training and Skills Development has been used for UPFA election propaganda at Neluwa Town on 15th October 2005.

The vehicle with four UPFA supporters (IMG Chandrasiri, KG Gunadasa, LIG Jayantha and MG Keerthisena) was taken into police custody according to a complaint made to the Neluwa Police Emergency Service –119 (ETR – 123/18). It is alleged that the UPFA supporters had used loud speakers without Police permission and that a sticker of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha, the UPFA Presidential Candidate, had been pasted on the rear glass of the cab at the time of the arrest.

When contacted by CMEV, OIC G Jayawardana (IP) of Neluwa Police stated that a sticker of the UPFA presidential candidate was on the cab when the Police intervened and that an unidentified person had later removed it.

Mr. Keerthiratne Gamage, the Coordinating Officer of Hiniduma UPFA Organizer Minister. Piyasena Gamage, informed CMEV that Police permission for the use of loud speakers had been obtained.

Sabaragamuwa Province

Kegalle District

Assault in Bolagoda - Mrs. P S G Sandyalatha Menike, deputy secretary of the Bolagama UNP cluster committee, was allegedly assaulted by Mr. KD Kapila Abenayake, a UPFA supporter at around 12.30 on 20th October 2005 at Bolagoda. The incident occurred when the said complainant, P S G Sandyalatha Menike came to meet Mr. Maheepala Herath, the Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, in order to hand over a complaint against KD Kapila Abenayake with regard to a land dispute in which his involvement is also alleged. The assault is alleged to have taken place in the presence of the Chief Minister.

Mrs. P S G Sandyalatha Menike made a complaint to the Kegalle Police - CIB (353/275).

When contacted, Mr. WM Karunatilake (SI), of Kegalle Police, informed CMEV that the case has been settled with the consent of the two parties. CMEV contacted Mrs. P S G Sandyalatha Menike, the victim of this incident and she revealed that she agreed to settle the dispute as she was forced and threatened to do so by WM Karunatilake (SI) of the Kegalle Police. She believes that the Police did not take any satisfactory action because of the political influence of Mr. Maheepala Herath, Chief Minister, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council. The Police deny the complainant’s allegations.

Kegalle District

Mawanella Polling Division – Misuse of State Property

Mawanella CMEV field monitor reported an incident of Misuse of State property where teachers in the Kegalle District of the Sabaragamuwa Province, are alleged to have been involved in UPFA election propaganda.
It is alleged that at the outset of a workshop on the 5 year Provincial Education development plan, the election manifesto of the UPFA candidate was distributed to the teachers. It is further alleged that JVP election material was also distributed to the teachers during the latter stages of the workshop.

When contacted by CMEV, Mr. MRPB Mederigama, Principal of Mayurapada National School where this alleged incident is said to have occurred, confirmed that the workshop was hosted at his school, but denied the allegation that election propaganda material was distributed.

However, Mr.Gamini Waidyarathna, the Coordinating Secretary of Mr.Kabeer Hashim, UNP MP for Kegalle District, stated that the said workshop was organized as part of UPFA campaign. He provided CMEV with a copy of the circular issued by the Zonal Education Director. This instructs principals to inform teachers of the workshop and specifically states that any teacher absent from the workshop will be considered to be on unpaid leave. Mr. Waidyarathna further alleged that this constitutes a violation of the rights of teachers.
CMEV monitors have reported that 2 workshops held so far have been boycotted by teachers who are UNP supporters.

When contacted by CMEV, Mr. Sunil Ekanayake, the Secretary of the Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Province, denied the distribution of propaganda material. He confirmed that the workshops were organized by the Chief Ministers office and that the Chief Minister attended the said workshops.

Ratnapura District

Hurt in Weligapola - Three UPFA women supporters were hurt by UNP supporters at around 10.30 p.m. on 29th October 2005 at Urapola in Weligapola. The victims of this incident were returning from a UPFA election meeting when the alleged UNP supporters hit them with stones. A complaint has been made to Weligapola Police by one of the victims, I Achala Sapumali, (EIB-26/10). Later the victims have been admitted to Weligapola District Hospital for treatment.

When contacted, OIC Wijegunaratne (SI) of Weligapola Police informed CMEV that two alleged UNP supporters (BG Nishantha Pradeep and GV Jayasinghe) have been taken into custody and later released on bail. Police investigations are continuing.

North Eastern Province

Batticaloa District

Attempted Murder in Batticaloa - Mr. Arumugam Pathma Kanthan, a member of the EPDP was shot at by a group of unidentified assailants at around 10.50 a.m. on 3rd November 2005. The incident occurred in front of the Bank of Ceylon, Batticaloa. on the Trincomalee road. Mr. Arumugam Pathma Kanthan and two Police officers of the Batticaloa Police who provided the security to the EPDP members, were traveling by a three-wheeler, while the other two Police officers were following them on a motor bicycle when the attack took place.

Mr. Arumugam Pathma Kanthan and four Police officers received minor injuries, while the driver of the three-wheeler sustained serious injuries. Later the victims were admitted to the Batticaloa General Hospital for treatment.

When contacted by CMEV Mr. T Sivanathan, Coordinator of Batticaloa EPDP stated that they hold the LTTE responsible for this attempted murder. When contacted, Mr. Gamage (PC-32023) of Batticaloa Police informed CMEV that this incident has been recorded as GCIB-234/5 since no political party affiliation of the perpetrators has yet been revealed. The Army, in a search operation following this incident, has found two T-56 weapons alleged to have been used in this shooting. Police investigations are underway in connection with this incident.

North Central Province

Polonnaruwa District

Medirigiriya Polling Division- Grievous Hurt

CMEV Field Monitor for Medirigiriya reported an incident where Mr.M.A Sunil Jayawardhana, a JVP supporter in the area sustained grievous hurt following an assault allegedly by a group of UNP supporters at around 10.00 p.m. on 30th October 2005, in the vicinity of the Track 1, in Medirigiriya. Following the assault Mr.M.A Sunil Jayawardhana was admitted to Polonnaruwa Base Hospital, and is currently undergoing treatment for a broken limb and head wounds.

When contacted by the CMEV, victim Mr.M.A Sunil Jayawardhana stated that he was assaulted by supporters of UNP and further added that they robbed Rs.10, 000 from him.
According to PC. A.B Pushpakumara of Medirigiriya Police, the victim was assaulted following a personal dispute. He added that one suspect has been arrested and produced before the courts in connection with the assault.

JVP MP Mr.S.K Subashingha, Polonnaruwa District, when contacted by CMEV stated that his party members were being systematically threatened and intimidated and in some cases have undergone physical harm. He further alleged that supporters of former UNP MP Mr.Sydney Jayarathne carried this out.

However, when CMEV contacted former UNP MP Mr.Sydney Jayarathne, he categorically denied any involvement of his party supporters and stated that he believed this incident occurred due to a personal dispute.

North Western Province

Puttalam District

Puttalam Polling Division - Misuse of State Property

Mr. Range Bandara, UNP MP for Puttalam District lodged a complaint with Puttalam Police regarding an incident where busses of the Puttalam Peoples Transport Board were being utilized for transporting UPFA party supporters for a meeting attended by the UPFA candidate on the 29th October 2005.

Following the complaint, Puttalam Police apprehended a busload of UPFA supporters and took the bus driver and his assistant into custody. Later both the suspects were produced before the Pauttalam Magistrate Court.

Puttalam Police, when contacted by CMEV, confirmed the incident. SI I.K Gunawardhana (Election Branch) added that the police found the driver and the conductor of the said bus transporting UPFA supporters for a meeting in the Aarachchikattuwa area.

According to Mr.P.H.Jayawardhana, Manager of the Puttalam Depot, the bus was on its way to the residence of the chairman of the Provincial Transport Board in the Dankotuwa area where a meeting was scheduled to discuses issues regarding the wages of Transport Board employees.

However, on a previous occasion, Mr.P.H.Jayawardhana informed CMEV that the bus was on its way to the meeting of the UPFA candidate as the occupants of the bus were traveling there to discuss matters regarding the wages of Transport Board employees.

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition Against Political Violence as an independent and non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election related violence.

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