3 April 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned about the escalation of
violence in the last stage of the campaign and calls up on the Police to
act fast to arrest the situation.

Repeated allegations against supporters of Minister Rishard
Badiudeen in Puttalam and Vanni

CMEV continues to receive complaints against supporters of the
incumbent Minister of Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and
UPFA candidate for the Vanni District, Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no
01).

In 24 incidents of election related violence his supporters are
alleged to be the perpetrators.  Members of his party have made
allegations against his supporters in 02 complaints. CMEV also has
received 04 complaints by his supporters of which 03 are against UNPers
and 01 against the supporters of UPFA candidate Premarantne
Sumathipala(candidate no 06).

Of the complaints received against his supporters, 18 are categorized
as Major and 06 as Minor. Major incidents include 08 instances of
Assault, 06 incidents of the Misuse of Public Property, 02 instances of
Grievous Hurt and 01 case each of Damage to Property and Threat and
Intimidation.

In three instances, victims stated that they had not lodged
complaints with the Police because of a loss of trust and confidence in
the Force.  CMEV has recorded 11 complaints against Badiudeen supporters
in the Puttalm District. None of these complaints have been lodged with
the Police.

Recent allegations against his supporters are
highlighted below:

On 02^nd April CMEV received a complaint from the UNP that
supporters of Rishard Badiudeen assaulted a group of supporters of UNP
candidate Noordeen Mashoor(candidate no 05) in Tarapuram, Mannar at
around 06.30 pm while they were campaigning in the area. Two UNP
supporters namely M.Hafil and M.Aroos sustained injuries due to the
attack.

On contacting Noordeen Mashoor’s office, CMEV learnt that a van (WP
TB 0611) was also damaged due to the attack and that the victims were
admitted to ward no 04 of the Mannar General Hospital. According to one
of the office bearers, a complaint was lodged with the Mannar Police
Station.

On 03^rd April CMEV contacted Mr.Munawfer, a coordinator of
the Minister. He declined to comment on the allegation and asked CMEV
to contact the Police to verify the details.

CMEV contacted the Mannar Police. Election OIC Sriwardhana, confirmed
that they had received a complaint regarding the incident.

Harthal in Pottuvil

CMEV received reports regarding a harthal in the Pottuvil area on 03^rd April.

Field reports revealed that the Harthal was backed by the UPFA and
UNP candidates in order to protest against the alleged violent
activities of UPFA candidate A.L.M.Athaulla(candidate no 02). CMEV also
learnt that a National Youth Conference of the National Congress, an
ally of UPFA, was also arranged in Pottuvil under the patronage of
Athaulla on the 3rd evening.

CMEV contacted M.B.A.Azeez, former parliamentarian and representative
of Ferial Ashrof for Pottuvil. He alleged that since Athaulla does not
allow other candidates to campaign in his areas, other UPFA and SLMC
candidates organized a harthal in Pottuvil on the 3^rd in
protest. He accused the Police of attempting to break the harthal by
threatening shop owners with permanent closure if they did not comply.

Mr.Mubasir a shop owner and a supporter of the SLMC, alleged that the
Police had put an additional lock on his closed shop as he had refused
their demand that he break the harthal.

OIC Wasanthakumara of the Pottuvil Police Station denied the
allegations and stated that all shops were open for business as usual.

At around 04.30 pm the CMEV Field Monitor informed CMEV that people
were brought from Akkaraipattu in 04 buses (WP NA 1340,63-3169, WP NA
2535 & WP NA 3247) belonging to the Akkaraipattu Depot for the
conference. According to him, 08 wickets and stones were found in a bus
(WP NA 1340) when the STF checked the busses and 07 iron bars were found
in a van (56-2639).

According to CMEV Field reports many shops remain closed and a tense
situation prevails in the area. A heavy deployment of security forces
has been provided for the conference.

Intensified intra party clashes in Sammanthurai

CMEV has confirmed 05 incidents of UPFA intra party disputes from the
Sammanthurai electorate during the last 48 hours. These include an
incident of Hurt and 04 incidents of Damages to Property. All incidents
have been reported to the Sammanthurai Police Station.

In the attack M.M.Ashroof, a supporter of Naushad, sustained injuries
and was admitted to ward no 01 of the Kalmunai Base Hospital.  His
three-wheeler (EP GE 9858) was also damaged in the attack.

In all 05 instances supporters of UPFA candidates Abdul
Ameer(candidate no 05) and A.M. Naushad(candidate no 04) were identified
as the alleged perpetrators. In 03 instances, supporters of Naushad
were identified as the alleged perpetrators, while in 02 incidents
supporters of Abdul Ameer were accused.

UNP supporters attacked in Kurunegala

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a group of supporters of UNP
candidate Akila Viraj Kariyawasam (candidate no 01) were assaulted
allegedly by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate Johnston Fernando
(candidate no 14) opposite the Kurnegala Malkatuwawa Welagedara
Vidyalaya at around 07.00 pm on 02^nd April. Two UNP
supporters namely M.Izadeen and M.Aslam sustained injuries in the attack
and were admitted to ward no 01 of the Kuliyapitiya Base Hospital.

CMEV contacted Mr.Chandana, personal secretary to Akila Viraj
Kariyawasam. He told CMEV that the perpetrators came in a blue Tipper
and assaulted the UNP supporters while they were returning after a UNP
meeting held in the Kurunegala Sathiyawadi ground under the patronage of
the Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe. A truck (NW LF 3745)
belonging to Akila Viraj Kariyawasam was also damaged in the attack. He
further stated that M.Nowshad, a UNP supporter, lodged a complaint (EIB
01/2010) with the Kurunegala Police Station.

When CMEV contacted Johnston Fernando’s party office, Sumudu
Abeyawickrama, an office bearer, categorically denied the involvement of
UPFA supporters in the attack.

IP Dharmadasa of the Kurunegala Police Station confirmed the incident
and stated that further investigations are underway.

Profile of Violence

As of 03^rd April CMEV has confirmed 325 incidents of
election related violence including 186 Major Incidents. The use of Fire
-arms has risen to 43 and CMEV has confirmed 46 instances of the Misuse
of Public Property – 24% of the total number of Major Incidents.

The majority of Major Incidents (37) are reported from the Central
Province. Thirty-two (32) Major violations are confirmed from Major
Incidents each are reported from the Eastern and Uva Provinces.
Seventeen (17), 16, 15, 13 and 12 Major Incidents are confirmed by CMEV
from the Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Central and Western
Provinces, respectively.

CMEV has received 232 complaints against UPFA and its allies of which
66 (28%) are from UPFA party members. The UNP is accused in 17
incidents while in 60 instances the party affiliation of the
perpetrators has not been identified. CMEV has also confirmed 05
complaints against the EPDP and 03 incidents of election related
violence against the ITAK.

All CMEV reports and communiqués and the CMEV Incidents
Google Map can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com

Summary of incidents received to CMEV by
4.30 p.m. 3 April 2010.

Total number of Incidents: 325
Major incidents: 186
Minor incidents: 139
Firearms involved: 43

Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

31 March 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV notes with concern the intensification of both
inter and intra party violence in the lead up to the polls on 08^th April. CMEV highlights the increasing number of assaults, resulting in
injuries, hurt and grievous hurt. CMEV has confirmed 72 such incidents,
which constitute 44% of the confirmed total of 161 Major incidents.

Recent incidents of election related violence are highlighted below;

Lack of Coordination between Election Officials

On 31^st March CMEV learnt that the CMEV District
Coordinator in Badulla was officially informed by the Assistant Election
Commissioner of the Badulla District, T.A.C.N.Talangama in his letter
dated on 24^th March that CMEV and PAFFEREL Mobile Monitors
would not be allowed into the polling booths.

The Election Commissioner has given approval for CMEV and PAFFEREL
Mobile Monitors to enter polling centres in which their Stationary
Monitors are not deployed, in his letter dated 06^th March
2010.  The letter was addressed to all the Returning Officers, Deputy,
Senior and Assistant Election Commissioners.

CMEV contacted the respective Assistant Election Commissioner.  The
latter informed CMEV that in a meeting with the Election Commissioner,
they were told that local Mobile Observers would not be allowed to enter
the polling centres. He further stated that he was not aware of the
letter of 06^th March.

When CMEV contacted the Election Department in this regard, the
Additional Election Commissioner, W.P. Sumansiri stated that he was only
aware of the Commissioner’s approval to local Monitors to enter polling
centres and that he was not aware of this approval being withdrawn, as
stated in the Assistant Election Commissioner’s letter.

CMEV has written to the Election Commissioner and the Respective
Assistant Election Commissioner in this regard with relevant references.

Intra party disputes

CMEV continues to receive reports regarding intra party violence.
CMEV has recorded 58 instances of UPFA intra party violence of which 45
are categorized as Major. CMEV received 01 such incident (Major) against
the UNP in the Kurunegala District.

CMEV has confirmed 10 UPFA intra party clashes from the Anuradhapura
District, while 07 such incidents have been reported from the Matara
District. CMEV has confirmed 06 Major incidents of UPFA intra party
violence from the Badulla District. Six (06) intra party clashes are
reported from the Ratnapura District. Four (04) such instances were
reported from the Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Gampaha Districts
respectively. Three (03) incidents each of UPFA intra party violence
were received from the Kalutara and Puttalam Districts. Furthermore, 02
each incidents were reported from the Kegalle, Kandy, Monaragala, Vanni
and Digamadulla Districts.  One (01) incident of UPFA intra party
violence is reported from the Kurunagala District.

Abduction reported in Puttalam: CMEV Field Monitor
reported that M.Riflas, a member of the political wing of the People
Revival Front, was abducted by an unknown group on 31^st March
at around 11.25 am in Madina Nagar, Palavi.

CMEV contacted M.Munafdeen, Secretary of the People Revival Front. He
informed CMEV that the perpetrators traveled in a red Pickup Truck
(2007/2008 CC). He suspected them of being supporters of the incumbent
Minister of Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA
candidate for the Vanni District, Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no 01).

CMEV learnt that Riflas was released at around 12.30 pm today and
that the party is an ally of the UPFA.

When CMEV contacted Riflas, he said that he was abducted by Mujahir-
who reportedly is associated with RsihardBadiudeen- and two others and
brought to a UPFA party office near the Thillayadi Railway Station. He
further stated that he was assaulted and verbally threatened by them not
to engage in politics. According to him, a complaint had been lodged
with the Puttlam Police Station and his statement was recorded by PC
Nimal(41189)

CMEV contacted the Police. OIC Gunasekara informed CMEV that they
came to know about the incident but no one had complained to the Police
as yet. He further stated that when they investigated on the basis of
information received, they came to know that the person allegedly
abducted had been released.

Clash between two UPFA groups in Nuwaraeliya: CMEV
received a complaint from S.B.Ratnayake, a brother of UPFA candidate
C.B.Ratnayake (candidate no 02) that their supporters were assaulted by a
group of supporters of the Chairman of the Central Provincial Council,
Saliya Bandara Dissanayake in Udawatha Kumbura,Hanguranketha on 30^th March at around 12.30 pm. He alleged that around 20 supporters of
Saliya Bandara Dissanayake assaulted his supporters with weapons.
According to him, they were carrying a pistol, a repeater, a shotgun,
3.8 mm pistol and a sickle. They have identified 05 of the perpetrators
namely D.V.J.Vithanage, Alfred Hettiarachchi, Siripala Siriwardhana,
Nishantha Ratnayake and Ashoka Dissanayake. Ajantha Bandara, a supporter
of C.B.Ratnayake, sustained head injuries. Two others were also injured
in the attack.

CMEV learnt that Saliya Bandara Dissanyake campaigns in support of
UPFA candidate Nimal Piyatissa (candidate no 01).

When CMEV contacted Saliya Bandara Dissanayke in this regard, he
informed CMEV that supporters of C.B.Ratnayake unnecessarily increased
the volume of the loudspeakers while they were passing land belonging to
him and attempted to attack his supporters. He further stated that as a
defensive measure his supporters attacked them.

CMEV contacted the Hanguranketha Police Station. Election OIC, Sarath
Ariyananda, confirmed the incident and informed CMEV that they have
received a complaint (EIB 44) from S.B.Ratnayake.

CMEV learnt that according to the Police complaint only one person
was injured in the attack and that no one had been admitted to hospital.

Public Property Misuse

On 31^st March CMEV Field Monitor reported that propaganda
materials of UPFA candidate Chamika Budhadasa (candidate no 03) were
displayed in a blue Isuzu cab (253-7122) belonging to the Ministry of
Health of the Uva Provinicial Council.

CMEV learnt that the candidate is son of the Uva Provincial Council
Health Minister, A.H.M.Budhadasa.

On above CMEV contacted Chamika Budhadasa who categorically denied
the allegation.

When CMEV contacted the Health Ministry of the Uva Provincial
Council, Assistant Secretary, Mrs.P. Athiraja, informed CMEV that the
vehicle is for official work of the Minister and that she is not aware
of whether it was being used for campaigning activities..

DNA candidate assaulted in Matale

March CMEV Field Monitor reported that P.G.Sunil Shantha (candidate
no 06) was assaulted by a supporter of UPFA candidate Lakshman Wasantha
Perera(candidate no 01) near the Naula Bus Stand on 30^th March at around 12.45 pm. The victim was admitted to the Nalanada
Divisional Hospital and discharged the following day.

CMEV contacted the victim. He informed CMEV that he was threatened
against campaigning in the Naula area and then assaulted. He further
stated that he lodged a complaint with the Naula Police Station in this
regard.

Attempts to contact Lakshman Wasantha Perera were not successful.

As of 31^st March, CMEV has confirmed 277 incidents of
election related violence including 161 Major Incidents. The Use of
Fire- arms and the Misuse of Public Property has risen to 40 and 44
respectively.

All CMEV reports and communiqués and the CMEV Incidents
Google Map can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com

Summary of incidents received to CMEV by
4.30 p.m. 31st March 2010

Total number of Incidents: 277
Major incidents: 161
Minor incidents: 116
Firearms involved: 40

Download this PDF for more information in English, Sinhala
and Tamil.

30 March 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned by the escalating violence
and intimidation that threatens to mar the forthcoming polls.

Recent incidents of election related violence are highlighted below;

UNP party meeting obstructed in Welikada

CMEV received a complaint from UNP candidate Shiral
Lakthilaka(candidate no 21) alleging that the decorations set up for a
UNP meeting in Welikada were removed by the Welikada Police at around
12.30 pm today.

CMEV Field Monitor visited to the scene and recorded a statement from
Shiral Laktialka. According to him, they initially sought the approval
of the Welikada Police to conduct a meeting on 30^th March in a
car park belonging to the Kotte Urban Council.  They were informed that
since a meeting of UPFA candidate Wimal Weerawansa(candidate no 20) had
been arranged the following day, the Police were unable give the UNPers
approval. He further stated that they then decided to conduct their
meeting in a car park located in Rajagiriya belonging to the Road
Development Authority. However, the Welikada Police informed them that
since the Police did not have enough officers to provide security for
the Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickrmasinghe, they were unable to grant
their approval. The UNPers finally decided to hold the meeting in a car
park next to the Welikada Police Station.

CMEV contacted the Welikad Police Station. OIC Gamini Sarath stated
that they only removed the illegal decorations, which were displayed
outside the premises and did not obstruct the UNP meeting.  He denied
allegations that they did not respond to the UNPers requests to hold a
meeting and explained that they have also given approval to the meeting
held today.

Repeated reports regarding the misuse of public property

CMEV Field Monitor observed that a lorry (WP LD 1304) belonging to
the Ministry of Health was used to transport posters of the ruling
party, to Embilipitya from Colombo on 29^th March at around
05.15 pm. CMEV Monitor also learnt that around 80,000 posters were being
transported.

Once CMEV confirmed the incident, CMEV immediately informed all the
relevant police authorities including the Election DIG’s Office, the
respective Police Station-Rathnapura- and the Emergency Line (119). 
However, through subsequent calls, CMEV learnt that no action was taken
to track the vehicle.

CMEV, once again, underscores the blatant misuse of public resources
for electioneering and its bearing on the integrity and outcome of the
polls. CMEV expresses its deep concern over the inability of the
responsible authorities to arrest the situation.

UPFA supporters assaulted in Vavuniya

On 28^th March, CMEV received a complaint from J.Jesir, a
supporter of the former Minister and UPFA candidate, Risad Badhiutheen
(candidate no 01), that he was assaulted by a group of supporters of UNP
candidate Noordeen Mashoor (candidate no 05) in Chinna Chippikulam,
Nerayakulam, Vavuniya at around 09.30 am. The victim sustained grievous
injuries on his head and has been admitted to ward no 04 of the
Chettikulam Base Hospital.

On 29^th March, CMEV Field Monitor visited the hospital and
recorded a statement from the victim.  According to him, the
perpetrators attempted to stab him in the stomach with a knife, but he
managed to escape. They subsequently stabbed him on his head.

CMEV learnt that a complaint was lodged with the Chettikulam Police
in this regard by the victim on the same day and A.C.Razick, a suspect,
was arrested in relation the incident.

When CMEV contacted Noordeen Mashoor’s office, Mr.Thameem, personal
coordinator of the candidate, informed CMEV that he is not aware of the
incident.

CMEV was unable to contact the Police.

Clash between two UPFA groups in Gampola

CMEV learnt that a group of supporters of UPFA candidate
S.B.Dissanayake (candidate no 05) assaulted a group of supporters of
UPFA candidate, Mahindananda Aluthgamage (candidate no 04) in
Galgediyawa, Gampola at around 03.30 am on 28^th March. Eight
supporters of Mahindananda Aluthgamage sustained injuries due to the
attack and were admitted to the Gampola Base Hospital.

On 30^th March, CMEV contacted Mahindananda Aluthgamage. He
informed CMEV that his supporters were attacked with wooden batons by
supporters of S.B.Dissanyake.. He alleged that they also kidnapped one
of his supporters whose release he obtained by speaking directly to
S.B.Dissanayake.

CMEV contacted S.B.Dissanayke, he stated that he also came to know
about the incident and that he is still not aware of whether his
supporters were really involved in the incident or not.  He further
informed CMEV that he will look into the matter.

Attempts to get further details from the Gampola Police Station
regarding the incident were not successful, as no one officially
responded to the queries.

When CMEV contacted the Gampola Base Hospital, Dr.Sunitha Jayasundara
informed CMEV that the victims were admitted to ward no 01 and 02 of
the hospital and were receiving treatment. She further informed CMEV
that they are not in a critical condition.

As of 28^th March, CMEV has confirmed 258 incidents of
election related violence including 152 Major Incidents. The Use of
Fire- arms and the Misuse of Public Property has risen to 40 and 41
respectively.

Major Incidents include 51 incidents of Assault, 41 instances of
Public Property Misuse, 25 incidents of Threat and Intimidation, 10
instances of Damage to Property, 08 incidents each of Arson and Grievous
Hurt, 07 instances each of Hurt and 02 of Robbery.

All CMEV reports and communiqués and the CMEV Incidents
Google Map can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com

29 March 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV repeats its call to the relevant authorities,
political party leaders and their supporters to act fast to prevent
further violence and to take immediate actions against the members who
have perpetrated violence.

Obstruction to CMEV Field Monitor in Nikaweratiya

Yesterday, in its 05^th Media Communiqué, CMEV highlighted
the incident of a camera belonging to its Field Monitor in Nikaweratiya,
being snatched by a man who appears to be a supporter of Johnston
Fernando. The Monitor was photographing an attacked UNP Party Office in
Nikaweratiya.

CMEV Field Monitor lodged a complaint (MOIB 270/44) with the
Nikaweratiya Police Station at around 07.30 pm yesterday. On contacting
the Police, CMEV learnt that the further investigations are being
carried out and that no one has been identified in relation to the
incident.

On 29^th March CMEV contacted UPFA candidate Johnston
Fernando in this regard. He informed CMEV that he is out of
Nikaweratiya, today and will look into the matter once he returned to
Nikaweratiya tomorrow.

CMEV unreservedly condemns any attempts to undermine it and urges the
authorities to assure an impartial and speedy investigation into the
incident.

An arson attack to UPFA stage in Ninthavoor

On 29^th March, CMEV received a complaint from CMEV Field
Monitor that the pavilion set up for a UPFA meeting in Main Street,
Ninthavoor was set on fire, allegedly by a group of UNP supporters at
around 10.30 am today.

CMEV contacted Mr.Jahufer, Personal Secretary to the incumbent
Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and UPFA candidate
A.L.M.Athaulla(candidate no 02). He informed CMEV that around 400 UNP
supporters were involved in the incident and that they broke the stage
and set fire to the decorations and furniture.

CMEV contacted M.A.Jinnah, Personal Secretary to UNP candidate Faisal
Casim(candidate no 08). He admitted that they are UNPers. He added
however that they were not instigated to attack the stage and that he
too condemns the attack.

CMEV learnt that the STF was deployed in the area after the attack to
provide security to the meeting.

Attack to DNA Party Offices in Tissamaharama

CMEV Field Monitor reported that two DNA party offices located in
Tissamaharama were attacked by an unknown group who came in a car and a
cab at around 01.00 am today. According to him, cutouts and decorations
were damaged due to the attack.

CMEV contacted V.K.Sunil, a DNA supporter. He alleged that the attack
was carried out by Nil Balakaya(Blue Force, a movement led by UPFA
candidate Namal Rajapakshe) and that they were carrying fire arms.
According to him bullets were fired in the air, thrice.

CMEV contacted the Tissamaharama Police Station. An officer who did
not mention his name, confirmed the incident and stated that they have
received two complaints regarding the incident from the DNA. He further
informed CMEV that further investigations are being carried out on this
account.

Intra Party disputes

Nuwara-Eliya: On 29^th March CMEV received
a complaint from R.M.S.Sunethra Menike, District women wing Organizer
of the National Freedom Front, an ally of UPFA, that their women working
committee meeting held at the Community Hall located in
Morabedda,Harasbedda, was interrupted allegedly by a group of supporters
of the incumbent Minister of Livestock Development and UPFA candidate
C.B.Ratnayake(candidate no 02) today at around 12.00 pm. According to
her the group was led by H.Ananda Hithtetige known as Ajantha, a
Samurdhi Officer.

CMEV contacted the Walapane Police Station. A police officer who did
not reveal his name, confirmed the incident and that a complaint (EIB
161/76) has been made by R.M.S.Sunethra Menike.

Attempts to contact C.B.Ratnayake were not successful as he was in a
meeting.

Anamaduwa: CMEV received reports regarding an intra
party clash between two groups of UPFA supporters in Anamanduwa.

On 26^th March W.A.Chaminda, Driver of the Chairman of the
Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabah(PS)-Jagath Samantha- was assaulted by a
group of supporters of UPFA candidate Priyankara Jayaratne(candidate no
09) in Maduwakkulama, Andigamuwa while they were going to hand over a
loudspeaker to a mosque located in Maduwakkulama, Andigama.

CMEV learnt that Jagath Samantha is a brother of UPFA candidate
Sanath Nishantha(candidate no 02) and that the loudspeaker was a gift
from Sanath Nishatha Foundation.

A counter attack was allegedly carried out by Jagath Samatha and his
supporters on a group of supporters of Priyankara Jayaratne on 27^th March near Galkuliya Junction, Andigama. Three supporters of Priyankara
Jayaratne sustained injuries due to the attack and K.M.Nihal, a UPFA
supporter, was admitted to the Chilaw General Hospital.

When contacted, both parties denied the allegations against them and
made counter- allegations against each other.

CMEV learnt that W.A.Chaminda made a complaint (MOIB 210/199) to the
Pallama Police station and a counter complaint was lodged with the
Anamaduwa Police Station. When CMEV contacted the Anamaduwa Police
Station, Election OIC, N.D.Sarath refused to provide any details
regarding the incident as the complaint is not categorized as election
related.

Kalutara: CMEV learnt that UPFA candidate Kumara
Welgama(candidate no 07) entered a party office of UPFA candidate Vidura
Wickramanayake(candidate no 13) and attempted to attack a UPFA
supporter in the eve of 27^th March.

When contacted, Indika Chandratilaka, Personal Secretary to the Prime
Minister, informed CMEV that they have lodged a complaint with the
Horana Police Station.  She asked CMEV to get further details from them.

On 29^th March, CMEV Field Monitor visited the Horana
Police Station, OIC Gunasena Geekiyanage informed CMEV that they have
not received a complaint regarding the above incident.

Repeated attempts to contact Kumara Welgama were not successful as he
was not contactable.

UNP party office attacked in Nikaweratiya

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a UNP Party Office located in
Nikaweratiya was attacked by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate
Johnston Fernando (candidate no 14) while they were returning after a
UPFA meeting held in Nikaweratiya under the patronage of the President,
Mahinda Rajapakshe. Furniture and the campaigning materials were damaged
due to the attack.

CMEV contacted the Organizer and UNP candidate, Herath Banda
Tennakoon(candidate no 13) who informed CMEV that according to the
information he received from his supporters, the attack was carried out
by supporters of Johnston Fernando and stated that a 50,00-100,000Rs
estimated loss was incurred.

CMEV contacted Jhonston Fernando, he informed CMEV that he also came
to know about the incident and denied the involvement of his supporters.
He further told CMEV that one of his cut-outs was also damaged by an
unknown group in Nikaweratiya on the same day.

CMEV learnt that no complaint had been lodged with the Police on this
account.

ITAK candidate threatened in Batticaloa

0n 29^th March CMEV Field Monitor reported that a ITAK
Party Office was attacked by a group of TMVP supporters allegedly led by
the Eastern Provincial Council Chief Minister, Sivaneshanthurai
Chandrakanthan at around 05.30 pm yesterday in Mamanga Pillayar Temple
Road, Batticaloa.

When CMEV contacted ITAK candidate Yogeshwaran(candidate no 07), he
informed CMEV that he was verbally threatened allegedly by
Sivaneshanthurai Chandrakanthan 03 days before the attack. According to
him, he was warned by Sivaneshanthurai Chandrakanthan not to get
involved in politics and that if he did, he would be killed after the
election.

CMEV contacted TMVP team leader and candidate, A.
Selvendran(candidate no 01)who categorically denied both allegations.
CMEV Field Monitor visited the Batticaloa Police Station and was
informed that a complaint, (CIB 175/335), was lodged by Yogeshwaran in
this regard and that further investigations are underway.

As of 28^th March CMEV has confirmed 254 incidents of
election related violence including 149 Major Incidents. The Use of
Fire- arms and the Misuse of Public Property has risen to 40 and 41
respectively.

Major Incidents include 51 incidents of Assault, 41 instances of
Public Property Misuse, 25 incidents of Threat and Intimidation, 09
instances of Damage to Property, 07 instances each of Arson, Hurt and
Grievous Hurt and 02 of Robbery.

CMEV has received 181 complaints against the UPFA and its allies, of
which 53(29%) were by party members. The UNP is accused in 11 incidents.
In 50 instances, the party affiliation of the perpetrators is not
identified. CMEV has also received 04 complaints against the EPDP and 01
complaint each against the DNA and ITAK and an independent group
contesting in the Badulla District. CMEV recorded a complaint against
TMVP from Batticaloa.

All CMEV reports and communiqués and the CMEV Incidents
Google Map can be accessed online at http://cmev.wordpress.com