Centre for Policy Alternatives on 20 April, 2010

Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election April 2010: Media Communique 10

Re-Poll in Nawalapitya &
Trincomalee

20 April 2010, Sri Lanka, 1pm: Re-polling
in 34 polling centers in Nawalapitiya Polling Division, Kandy District
and in Kumburupitiya Polling Station (Number 78), Trincomalee Polling
Division, Trincomalee District commenced at 7 am today. The Election
Commissioner decided to re-poll following allegations of serious
election malpractices including obstruction of voters and chasing away
of polling officers on General Election Day on April 8th 2010. CMEV is monitoring the re-polling with 4 mobile teams and 34
stationary monitors in Nawalapitiya and 1 mobile team and 1 stationary
monitor in Kumburupitiya.

As of 13:00 hours CMEV reports four incidents of election violations:

Transport of Voters in Trincomalee: CMEV mobile
monitors reported that at around 9.20am, supporters of UPFA candidate
Susantha Punchinilame (No 07) were transporting voters from the Salappai
area and Gandhinagar in two vehicles bearing registration numbers 31Sri
1756 (a jeep) and WP 5029 (a bus), located near the Kumburupitiya
Polling Station (No 78) around 9.10am in the Trincomlaee Electorate.

Transport of Voters in Nawalapitiya: As
reported by CMEV around 11.00am, a white van bearing the Registration
No. 42-0239 had engaged in transporting voters to Galaha junior school
Polling Station No. 30 in Nawalapitiya Electorate. This has happened
several times but the police have only warned the perpetrators.

Illegal Casting of Ballot in Nawalapitiya: CMEV
monitors reported at around 8.35am, the SPO in the Polling Station No 39
Kadiyallena Junior School in the Nawalapitiya Electorate, was helping
disabled voters to cast their vote.  However, he marked the ballot paper
himself and puts it into the ballot box without showing it to the
voter. Nor was this voting being witnessed by another official as
required by law.  A similar practice was reported to have taken place in
polling station No. 07, Alugolla junior school (No. 2) in Dolosbage, in
Nawalapitiya Electorate.  This was observed at around 11.45am by CMEV
monitor.

Impersonating Monitor: As reported by CMEV around
12.05pm, a person in the vicinity of the Dolosbage Junior School Polling
Station (No.01) in Dolosbage in the Nawalapitiya Electorate, was
wearing the hand band of CMEV and thereby posing as a CMEV Election
Observer. The police removed the person from the vicinity of the polling
station and returned the hand band to the CMEV Election Observer.

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 11 April, 2010

Statement on the day after Parliamentary Elections 2010

9 April 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: On Election Day CMEV recorded 84 Major Incidents, including 53
incidents of Intimidation within the vicinity of polling centers. This
figure includes 07 incidents of involving election officials, 07
incidents of Threat and Intimidation and 06 Assaults. CMEV has recorded
189 incidents of election law violations as well. When compared to the
last Presidential election, there were a higher number of incidents of
election related violence on the day of the poll.

We wish to record our deep concern about incidents in which polling
agents were evicted from polling stations, sometimes forcefully.
Furthermore, there were cases of voter obstruction and alleged attempts
to rig the results reported from Nawalapitiya and Trincomalee. We have
received numerous reports regarding voter impersonation in Puttalam,
Kathankudy, Akkraipattu and Pottuvil.

According to CMEV field reports, the failure of polling agents to
report objections relating to malpractice and irregularities, the
absence of opposition polling agents and the deliberate failure of many
SPOs to implement the law with regards to verifying the identity of
voters, greatly facilitated voter impersonation.

CMEV also wishes to express its concern about the confusion and
disarray relating to the application of indelible ink on the ring finger
of voters. There has been a clear disregard of the Election
Commissioner’s directive relating to this practice. During the first few
hours of polling, ink was applied to both the ring and the little
fingers of many voters. CMEV received such reports from all over the
country, particularly Vavuniya, Deraniyagala, Colombo, Wattala,
Puttalam, Kalawewa and Minneriya. When CMEV questioned this malpractice,
many SPOs stated that they were unaware of the Commissioner’s directive
on this matter.

CMEV notes that the Election Commissioner has suspended the counting
of ballots from 34 polling stations in Nawalapitiya, and one polling
station in the Trincomalee District. CMEV requested the Election
Commissioner to annul polling in the Nawalapitiya electorate due to
complaints received from the field about violence and irregularities.
However, as of yet the Election Commissioner has not issued a gazette
notification on his decision to annul the ballots in these polling
stations and hold a second poll in them.

CMEV has received a number of complaints regarding the transparency
of procedures followed by election officials at polling centers.
According to the complaints received, officers who issued ballot papers
to voters had marked the voters’ registration number on the counter foil
of the ballot paper. Complainants’ claimed that this practice directly
affected the secrecy of their vote. When CMEV contacted the Election
Commissioner’s department regarding this issue, CMEV was informed that
this is a normal procedure followed in polling centers and that at the
closure of the polling centre all counter foils should be sealed, to be
reopened only upon the receipt of a direct court order. The department
further added that this procedure serves to safeguard the secrecy of
voter identity.

CMEV learnt that people were suspicious and even fearful of this
procedure, believing that their ballot papers could be traced.  We urge
the Election Commissioner to keep people well informed about election
procedures, allay their doubts and fears, thereby ensuring increased and
unfettered participation of voters in any election.

On the basis of the reports received from its monitors
throughout the campaign and on Polling Day, CMEV concludes that as in
the Presidential Election, the integrity of the electoral process has
been undermined by violence and malpractice and strongly urges all
actors to treat this seriously and take effective action to protect and
strengthen the integrity of the process.  We also conclude that despite
this, the overall result does reflect the will of the electorate.  CMEV
also wishes to underscore the point that election monitors are not
allowed to observe the counting of votes.

Post-Election Violence

CMEV is concerned about post-election violence. CMEV highlights the
importance of the immediate post-election period, and calls upon party
leaders to demonstrate their commitment and respect for the rule of law
by deterring post-election lawlessness among their party supporters, and
political vengeance against opponents.

CMEV continues to receive reports relating to incidents of
post-election violence. A CMEV stationary monitor was assaulted by an
unknown group and his observation forms snatched in Nawalapitiya,
yesterday (April 8th), at around 1930 hours.

Today (April 9th) CMEV received reports detailing a clash
between supporters of UPFA candidate C.B.Ratnayake (candidate no. 02)
and Saliya Bandara Dissanayke, Chairman of the Central Provincial
Council, in Ragala, Brookside, at around 1715 hours.

CMEV learnt that Saliya campaigned in support of UPFA candidate
Naveen Dissanayake (candidate no. 04), and that H.M.Dharmapala, a
supporter of Ratnayake, received a gunshot wound to the hip. This injury
was allegedly inflicted by Saliya. Dharmapala has since been admitted
to the District Hospital. Ralgala Police Station confirmed this
incident.

Today CMEV also received reports regarding another shooting in
Millawana, Matale at around 1700 hours, allegedly committed by Naradha
Millawana, a UPFA member of Pallepola Pradeshiya Sabha. L.D.Nandasiri, a
former member of Galewala Pradeshiya Sabha, was grievously wounded in
his right eye and was admitted to the Matale General Hospital. He has
subsequently been transported to the Kandy General Hospital.

CMEV also received reports regarding a clash between supporters of
UPFA candidates Pavithra Wanniarachchi (candidate no. 02) and John
Senaviratne (candidate no. 09) near the residence of Pavithra, located
in Rilhena, Pelmadulla at around 1800 hours today. When contacted,
Kahawatha Police informed CMEV that a tense situation had arisen when
the two groups confronted each other, but that both groups had dispersed
before the situation worsened. CMEV learnt that the alleged perpetrator
was a supporter of UPFA candidate Lakshman Wasantha Perera (candidate
no. 01).

CMEV is concerned about the increased intra party violence during the
campaign and in the post-election period, and reiterates its call to
political parties, in particular the ruling party alliance, to refrain
from violence.

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 8 April, 2010

Parliamentary Elections 2010: Election day media communiqu? No 2

8 April 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka, 3pm: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence
(CMEV) reported that as of 2pm on polling day, there was a turn -out of
35-40% across Sri Lanka with a low turn- out in Jaffna of around 10%.
There were several reports of threat and intimidation against voters and
polling agents. At present 75  Major incidents have been reported to
CMEV and 196 Minor incidents.

As reported in the Election Day communiqué 1, CMEV has continuously
received reports of discrepancies in the marking of fingers with
indelible ink.  This is an issue of concern as it can lead to possible
malpractices and impact the integrity of the poll.

CMEV has also received several cases where posters and cutouts of
candidates from various parties have been seen near polling stations- a
violation of Election laws and guidelines which is disregarded by many
candidates and political parties across districts.

Prevention of  Voting

Trincomalee district, Trincomalee electorate, Kuchchaveli,
Vivekananda Maha Vidyalayam, hall nos 1 and 2, polling stations (no. 80
and 81). 12:00pm
A complaint was made by U. Ravikumara, ACTC candidate (no. 4), to CMEV
that Susantha Punchinilame, UPFA candidate (no. 7) together with other
UPFA supporters were moving around with arms in a vehicle bearing the
license plate (62-6091) around these two polling stations, at noon. They
threatened and intimidated Tamil voters and demanded that they did not
vote.

CMEV reports that a busload of Tamil voters from Trincomalee Town
whose polling station is in Kutchaveli, were stopped in Irakandy by the
Police. The Police claimed that the bus did not have a route permit and
could not be permitted to transport voters. The voters got down and had
to find alternate modes of transport.  CMEV spoke to the TNA who
confirmed the incident and further alleged that polling cards were
snatched from the voters. .

INTIMIDATION AND THREATS
TO VOTERS

Galle District, Hiniduma Electorate at 2.30am:

CMEV Field Monitor reported three incidents relating to the alleged
intimidation of supporters of UPFA candidate Nishantha Muthuhettigama
(no. 6). An unidentified group of individuals had come to the residence
of Amarasiri Abeysinghe a supporter living in Weerapana at 2.30 am and
threatened to kill him if he voted. They also inflicted minor damages to
the house. An unidentified group of individuals had fired into the
residence of PK Dharasana, a supporter of Muthuhettigama, in Damwala at
2.40 am and threatened to kill him if he voted. CMEV monitor reported
that the house of Chaminda Karunaratne in Talatgalla, another supporter
of Muthuhettigama had been attacked and some damage was done to the
windows of the house. Two shots were reportedly fired into the house at
around 3.10 am.

Kandy District, Nawalapitiya Electorate, Angolla Kanishta
Vidyalaya Polling Station, Polling Station no. 02.

CMEV Mobile Monitor reported that supporters of UPFA candidate
Mahindananda Aluthgamage (no. 4) had assaulted several Tamil voters,
forcibly taken their polling and Identity cards near the polling centre
and chased them out of the centre at around 10.30 am.

Vanni District, Mannar Electorate, Arippu Roman Catholic
Tamil Maha Vidyalayam, polling station no 47, 09.40 am:

CMEV field monitor reported that supporters of Rishard Badurdeen,
UPFA candidate (no. 1), were seen in white vans bearing registration
numbers JE 1020 and SR 1029 openly canvassing for Rishard Badurdeen . 
They asked people to vote for him and distributed leaflets bearing his
name, symbol and number.

Hambantota District , Tissamaharam Electorate 9.00 am

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a double cab No JS-8969 with
supporters of UPFA candidate Chamal Rajapakse (no 7) was seen in the
area engaged in campaigning.

Digamadulla District, Samanthurai Polling Division

CMEV Field Monitor reports that announcement are being made via the
mosque loudspeakers urging potential voters ‘to go and vote, as the
names of those who have not voted can be identified.’ The announcements
were made between 1.30 pm and 2.00 pm.

THREAT TO POLLING AGENT

Digamadulla District, Pottuvil Electorate, Akkaraipattu
Cultural Centre, polling station no 84. 12:00pm:

CMEV Monitor reported that M.S. Rivas, a Polling Agent of the UNP,
was threatened and forcefully thrown out from the above center by
supporters of UPFA candidate A.L.M Attaullah (no. 02). M.S. Rivas
subsequently filed a complaint at the police station, bearing CIB
326/1020/2010/48.

CAMPAIGNING ON ELECTION
DAY

Ratnapura District, Pelmadulla Electorate,
MorathotaVidyalaya, Polling Station No 29: 9:00am

CMEV Mobile Team reported that leaflets containing the numbers of
UPFA candidate Deepal Gunasekera (no. 4) and UNP candidate Dunesh
Gankanda (no. 11) were being distributed near the polling station.

Anuradhapura District, Horowpathana Electorate, Muttarawewa
Vidyalaya Polling Station(No.06), 9:15 am

CMEV Mobile correspondent reported that a group of 50 supporters of
UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha member M. Hussain held a meeting near the polling
station and canvassed voters going to the polling station to vote for
the UPFA.

Anuradhapura District, Horowpathana Electorate, Ruwanwali
Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station (No. 09), 9:30am

CMEV Mobile Monitor in  Horowpathana reported that cards displaying
the candidate number of UPFA candidate Duminda Dissanayake (no. 6) were
being distributed near the Polling Station by his supporters.

Anuradhapura District, Horowpathana Electorate, Sinhala
Walahawiddawewa Vidyalaya/Rathmalgahawewa Polling Station (No. 01), 9:45
am

CMEV Mobile Monitor, Horowpathana reported that some leaflets of UPFA
candidate Duminda Dissanayake (no.06) were being distributed near the
Polling Station by his supporters.

Vanni District, Mannar electorate, Roman Catholic Tamil
Mahavidyalayam, polling station no 51, hall no 03, at 10.25 am:

At the entrance of the polling station supporters of RizardBadurdeen
(no. 1) were seen distributing leaflets bearing his symbol and image.

Hambantota District, Lunugamwehera Electorate ,
OyagawaRanawarnawa Junior School, Polling Station No 115, 8.40am

CMEV Monitor reported that an enlarged laminated photograph of UPFA
Candidate Mahinda Amaraweera (no. 1) was visible close to the Polling
Station

Matara District ,Deniyaya Electorate , Pattigala Junior
School, Polling Station No 57, 8.30am

CMEV Field Monitor reported that there were small cutouts within 500
meters of the Polling Station, of UPFA Candidate Chandrasiri Gajadeera
(no. 8), UPFA Candidate Sanath Jayasuriya (no. 10) and UPFA Candidate
Lakshman Yapa Abewardena (no. 1)

Hambantota District , Tissamaharam Electorate ,
Angunukolawada Junior School , Polling Station No 111, 9.05am

CMEV Field Monitor reported that supporters of UPFA candidate Mahinda
Amaraweera (no.1) were seen pasting posters in the area.

TRANSPORTING VOTERS

Digamadulla District, Ampara Electorate, Ampara Gamini
MahaVidyalaya, polling station 127, 10.45 am

CMEV monitor reported that UPFA supporters were seen transporting
voters in vehicle bearing registration number 59-6860 to the above
polling station.

Jaffna district, Kankesanthurai Electorate, Seenipanthal
junction: polling stations Elavalai Holy Family Convent  Maha Vidyalayam
06 and MareesanKoodal Roman Catholic Tamil School no 07 and Elavalai St
Henry’s College no 08, at 10.55 am:

CMEV Monitor reported that supporters of Douglas Devananda, UPFA
candidate (no. 08), were seen transporting voters in a blue van bearing
registration number NP – HS 7294 to the above polling stations.

Centre for Policy Alternatives on 8 April, 2010

Parliamentary Elections 2010: Election day media communiqu? No 1

8 April 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka, 1.30pm: Polls for the Parliamentary Elections
opened at 7 am this morning. A few major incidents of pre-poll violence
against party supporters and polling agents were reported to the Centre
for Monitoring Elections (CMEV). Following the commencement of polls a
significant number of incidents mainly related to the continuing
campaigning by political parties and their supporters were reported.

Problems with Procedures
Relating to Voting

Discrepancies relating to Marking of Finger for Voting
Purposes

CMEV was also informed of discrepancies in the use of indelible ink
at polling centres across the country.  This pertains to the finger that
is to be marked signifying that an individual has cast their vote. 
Reports of discrepancies were from Colombo, Jaffna and Vavuniya
districts where voters informed that either the little finger or the
ring finger was used. There were also reports of the ink being easily
removed by voters. In a notice issued on 7th April, the
Commissioner of Elections reported that the ring finger was to be marked
with indelible ink. Several voters informed CMEV that polling agents
who were questioned on the use of the little finger instead of the ring
finger as informed by the Commissioner, stated that they were unaware of
such a notice. CMEV is concerned with the discrepancies in the practice
of marking the finger which can lead to malpractices and to people
voting more than once. CMEV urges the Commissioner and his department to
immediately inform all relevant election officials of the recommended
practice and to ensure that the uniform practice is followed.

Problems with Transport Arrangements for IDPs:

CMEV was informed that more than 100 voters who were residents in
Manik Farm in Vavuniya were transported to Vavuniya Tamil Maha Vidyalaya
instead of polling centres located in Oddusudan, Arivithotam and
Nedunkeni at 10am. CMEV was informed by the Assistant Returning Officer
(ARO) for transportation in Vavuniya that the IDPs had mistakenly got
into the wrong bus. CMEV also spoke to several IDPs who informed that no
information was given when buses had arrived at Manik Farm and that
they were unaware of the exact measures for transportation. CMEV was
informed by the ARO that this problem was being addressed. CMEV urges
the Commissioner of Elections and his staff to take all measures
necessary to ensure that all IDP voters are provided correct information
in all languages and the transportation to polling centres without
delay and hindrance..

Threatening of Polling
Agents

Kandy District, Nawalapitiya Polling Division, Dolosbage
Polling Centers (no. 10-15)

UNP Secretary for Nawalapitiya Polling Division reported to CMEV that
an unidentified group of individuals wearing masks have threatened the
party agents of the United National Party(UNP) and Janatha Vimukthi
Peramuna (JVP) at their homes. It is alleged that the group had forcibly
taken the appointment letters, electoral lists and identity cards
belonging to the party agents. They were also threatened not to make
police complaints.

Threatening of Monitors

Puttalam District, Puttalam Polling Division, Palliwasalturei
Muslim College Polling Station(no.  60):

CMEV monitors were threatened and warned not to monitor the polling
process by the supporters of UPFA candidates Rishad Badudeen (No.01 of
Wanni District) and K.A. Bais (No.01 of Puttalam District) when they
attempted to enter Palliwasalturei Muslim College Polling Station at
about 6.00 a.m.

Major Incident: Refusing
Access to Monitors

Matara District , Deniyaya Electorate , Varalla MV, Polling
Station (no 08)

CMEV Monitor reports that they were not allowed into the Polling
Station at 8.00 am, by the Police official in charge, even after
examination of his documents.

Continuous Campaigning
on Election Day

CMEV received multiple reports from a number of districts relating to
campaigning by political parties and their supporters after polls had
opened. The main violation is the distribution of campaign material in
close proximity to polling stations.

NORTH CENTRAL PROVINCE

PolonnaruwaDistrict,Polonnaruwa Polling Division, Polonnaruwa
Royal Central College (No. 85) 7:40 am:

CMEV Monitor to Polonnaruwa reported that some leaflets displaying
the preferential number of UNP candidates Earl Gunasekare (no 4) and
Sachini Jayaratne (no 3) were seen scattered on the road to the polling
station.

Polonnaruwa District, Polonnaruwa Polling Division,
Polonnaruwa Royal Central Primary College (no. 85). 7:30 am

CMEV Monitor reported that some leaflets displaying the preferential
numbers of UPFA candidates Maithripala Sirisena (no. 7) and Roshan
Ranasinghe (no. 1) were distributed in the vicinity of the polling
station.

Anuradhapura District,Kalawewa Polling Division, Mahasen Maha
Vidyalaya Polling Station (no. 06), 7:55 am

CMEV mobile correspondent reported that approximately six supporters
of UPFA candidate Duminda Dissanayake (n 6) were seen standing near the
polling station wearing tea-shirts displaying the preferential number 06
of DumindaDissanayake

Anuradhapura District, Horowpatana Polling Division
,Mahakumbukwewa Vidyalaya (no. 32)

CMEV Mobile corresepondent reported at 7.40 am that some leaflets
belonging to UPFA candidate S.M. Chandrasena (number 11), UNP candidate
Sirisena Herath (number 12), and DNA candidate K.D.Lalkantha (number 7)
were being distributed around the polling station.

Anuradhapura  District, Anuradhapura Polling Division,Funeral
community Hall Polling station (no. 37)

CMEV Mobile correspondent reported that some leaflets of UPFA
candidate Duminda Disanayake (no 6) were being distributed at around
7.45 am near the polling station by his supporters who arrived there in
an ash color cab without number plates

Anuradhapura District, Horowpathana Polling Division,
Kahatagasdigiliya Central College -Hall No 02 Polling Station (no 37):

CMEV Mobile representative reported that some leaflets displaying the
preferential numbers of UPFA candidate Weerakumara Dissanayake(n 37)
were being distributed at around 7.10 am between Upuldeniya Cross Road
and Kahatagasdigiliya Central College Polling station.

SABARAGAMUWA PROVINCE

Kegalle District, Kegalle Polling Division, Pussella Gamini
Junior School (no. 18):

CMEV monitor reported at 8.35 am that two members of the UPFA were
seen distributing cards bearing the party symbol of the UPFA betel leaf
and the candidate numbers of Jagath Balasooriya, (no. 2) and Ranjith
Siyambalapitiya, (no. 8), in front of the polling station.

Kegalle District, Rambukkana Polling Division, Muwapitiya
Maha Vidyalaya (no.24) :

CMEV mobile monitor reported at 8.45 am that a large number of
posters belonging to UPFA candidates no. 8 Ranjith Siyambalapitiya (no.
8), Kanaka Hertat (no. 4) and Susanthika Jayasinghe (no. 12) were
prominently displayed in close proximity to the polling station.

Kegalle District, Rambukkana Polling Division, Sujatha
Kanishta Vidyalaya, Polling Station (no 21):

CMEV Mobile Monitor reported at 7.10 am that a three wheeler (Vehicle
number 201-3853), bearing campaign stickers of candidate UPFA Kanaka
Herath (no. 4) was parked near the polling station.

Kegalle District, Rambukkana Polling Division, RambukkanaPinnawalaMahaVidyalaya,
Polling Station (no 27):

CMEV mobile monitor reported that at 7.00am, a Pajero (Vehicle number
32-7383), completely covered in campaign stickers of candidate Kanaka
Herath (no. 4) was parked in front of the polling station for around ten
minutes.

CENTRAL PROVINCE

Matale District, Dambulla Polling Division, Namatagahawatta
Muslim Maha Vidyalaya polling station, (no. 41)

CMEV mobile monitor reported supporters of UPFA candidate Janaka
Bandara Tennakoon (no. 5) had been seen canvassing near the above
mentioned polling center requesting the voters to cast their preference
for candidate no. 5 at around 8.15 am.

Matale District, Dambulla Polling Division, MalingamuwaRajaye
Maha Vidyalaya, (no. 11)

CMEV mobile monitor reported that model ballot papers indicating the
preference number of UPFA candidate Janaka Bandara Tennakoon (no. 5) had
been distributed around the Malingamuwa Rajaye Maha Vidyalaya polling
center at 7.20 am.

Nuwara-Eliya  District, Kotmale Polling Division, Kumbaloluwa
Polling Center, (no. 45-46), 7.45am

CMEV field monitor reported handbills containing the preferential
number of UPFA candidate J.M.C Jayasekara (no 6) had been distributed
near the above mentioned polling center.

Kandy District, Nawalapitiya Polling Division, Saint Andrews
Boys School Polling Center, (no. 57), 9.00 am: CMEV Field Monitor

CMEV Field Monitor reported that 6 Auto Rickshaws pasted with a
poster of the preferential number of UPFA candidate Mahindananda
Aluthgamage (no 4) were parked in front of the polling station for
around ten minutes. At the same polling centre a group
of 20 people had gathered around the auto rickshaws displaying campaign
material.

Matale District, Matale Polling Division, Matale Smaliya
Muslim Rajaye Maha Vidyalaya Polling Center, (no. 36)

CMEV Monitor reported that a 7 feet cut out of UPFA candidate, Hilmy
Careem (no 2) had been prominently displayed near a shop located near
the above mentioned polling center and had not been removed.

NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE

Kurunagala District, Galgamuwa Electorae, Janasetha Samurdhi
Madura Polling Station (no. 31): The gatekeeper has influenced
the voters so as to cast their votes to preferential number 15 of UPFA
candidate about 7.45 a.m.

Kurunagala District, Mawathagama Polling Division, Pillassa
Maha Vidyalaya Polling Station (no. 26): Some cards displaying
the candidate number and the name of the UPFA candidate Johnston
Fernando were distributed in the vicinity of the polling station at
about 7.50 a.m.

Puttalam District, Puttalam Polling Division, St. Mary’s
Junior School Polling Station (no. 36): Some leaflets
displaying the candidate numbers of the UPFA candidates Indrani
Dassanayake, K.A. Bais and the UNP candidate Kinsleylal Fernando were
seen distributed around the polling station about 7.15 a.m.

Puttalam District, Puttalam Polling Division, St. Andrews Central
College, Polling Station (no. 28): Some leaflets displaying the
preferential numbers of the UPFA candidates Indrani Dassanayake, K.A.
Bais and the UNP candidate Kinsleylal Fernando were seen distributed
around the polling station about 7.19 a.m.

EASTERN PROVINCE:

Trincomalee district, Muttur Polling Division,
al-HambraMahaVidyalaya, polling station (no, 30):

CMEV monitor reported that UPFA supporters of S.M. Tawfik (no. 6),
have been observed at around 9.30 am openly canvassing for him after
polls opened. In some cases, the voters have been offered food and
beverages from a boutique located 50 meters away from the polling
station.

Transportation of Voters

Ratnapura District, Kolonna Polling Division, Maduwanwela Sri
SaranandaVidyalaya, Polling station (no. 76):

CMEV Monitor Reported that a small bus bearing the candidate number
of United People’s Freedom Alliance UPFA) candidate (no. 7) transported a
group of garment factory workers and other voters to the polling
station at around 7.30 am.

Parliamentary Elections 2010: Election day media communiqu? No 1