28 March 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV expresses its deep concern about the flagrant
misuse of public property for electioneering and the inactivity of
responsible officers in arresting the situation. Attacks on party
offices and supporters increase in the lead up to the election. CMEV
calls upon the leaders of two main political parties in and their allies
to act to prevent further violence and to take effective action against
members and supporters who have perpetrated violence.

Obstruction to CMEV Field Monitor

CMEV learns that a camera belonging to the CMEV Field Monitor in
Nikaweratiya, Nihal Chandrasisiri, has been snatched by a man in a white
Hi-ace van at around 07.15 pm today while he was photographing a
damaged UNP Party Office in Nikaweratiya.

CMEV Field Monitor informed CMEV that the candidate number and the
name of UPFA candidate Johnston Fernando were displayed on the back
mirror of the vehicle. His name was displayed as’Jhony’ in Sinhala. CMEV
monitor was unable to identify the vehicle number.

CMEV learns that at the time of the incident the Police were also
present at the location to investigate the attack on the UNP party
office.

According to the instruction given by the CMEV Secretariat, CMEV
Field Monitor has lodged a complaint at the Nikaweratiya Police Station.

CMEV will write to the Election Commissioner and the IGP in this
regard.

CMEV unreservedly condemns this obstruction of the work of election
observers by the politicians and their supporters.

Clash between UPFA supporters in Mirissa

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a clash between a group of
supporters of the incumbent Minister of Cultural Affairs and National
Heritage and UPFA candidate, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena(candidate no 03)
and a group of supporters of UPFA candidate, Lakshman Yapa
Abeywardena(candidate 01) at Mirissa Junction, around 12.30 pm toady.

CMEV contacted Yamuna Punchihewa, a UPFA member of the Weligama
Pradeshiya Sabha(PS) and a supporter of Lakshman Yapa Abeyawardena, who
stated that they were obstructed by supporters of Mahinda Yapa near the
Mirrissa Junction when they came in a procession from Kamburugamuwa. She
further said that the perpetrators attacked them with wooden batons,
stones and glass bottles. He also alleged that they were carrying a
pistol.

According to Yamuna Punchihewa, two UPFA members of Weligamuwa PS
namely Susantha Jayalath and Pushpakumara Bettage were amongst the
perpetrators.

CMEV contacted Susantha Jayalath who informed CMEV that a tense
situation arose after supporters of Mahinda Yapa hooted supporters of
Lakshman Yapa who were near the Mirrissa Junction. He said that he
intervened to control the situation. He categorically denied that they
assaulted the supporters of Lakshman Yapa and stated that no one carried
fire- arms.

CMEV contacted the Weligama Police Station, Mr.Mahesh, OIC of the
Weligama Police Station, informed CMEV that they rushed to the scene of
the incident once they were informed. He further stated that they
managed to disperse the crowd before the situation worsened.

AITC supporter threatened in Warani, Jaffna

On 28^th March, CMEV received a complaint from AITC
candidate, S.Subramaniyam(candidate no 11) alleging that K.Arumugam, one
of his supporter was verbally threatened by Y.Yogachandran, who claims
to be a EPDP supporter, in Warani North at around 04.00 pm today.

According to Subramaniyam, he was threatened not to campaign in the
Kudathanai area as the area “belongs” to the EPDP and was he to do so,
he was told that he would be killed.

On contacting the Kodikama Police Station, CMEV learnt that no
complaint has been lodged with the police as yet.

Repeated intimidation to UNP supporters in Norwood

On 27^th March R.Kalaivanan, a UNP supporter, made a
complaint to CMEV that members of his family are continuously
intimidated by Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) supporters, an ally of
UPFA. He alleged that the incumbent Minister of Youth Empowerment and
Socio Economic Development and UPFA candidate Arumugam
Thondaman(candidate no 10) threatened them to remove their shop located
at No.02,Maskleiya Road Norwood immediately. He further alleged that he
instructed the OIC of the Norwood Police Station to take immediate
actions against him and his father Mr.Rajendran, Opposition Leader of
the Ambagamuwa PS.

Repeated attempts to contact Mr. Arumugam Thondaman were not
successful as he was in a meeting.

When CMEV contacted the Norwood Police, OIC Saman Kumara informed
CMEV that Arumugam Thondaman visited the area on 26^th March
for campaigning but that no quarrels occurred during the visit as
alleged.

Public property misuse in Polonnaruwa

On 28^th March CMEV Field Monitor reported that a bus
(03sri-9868) belonging to the Mahaweli Authority was used to transport a
group of UPFA supporters from Welikanda to Kalahagala for campaigning
activities on 27^th March.

CMEV contacted the residence project manager, Ranjith Perera who
confirmed that the bus belongs to the authority and that he has strictly
instructed the staff not to use any vehicles for electioneering.  He
said he was not aware of this incident.

04 UNP party offices damaged in Sooriyawewa

CMEV Field Monitor informed that 04 UNP party offices have been
attacked by an unknown group, yesterday 27 March in the Sooriyawewa
area.

According to CMEV Field Monitor, attacks were carried out between
01-04 am and campaigning materials were set fire to by the perpetrators.

CMEV learnt that the offices were maintained by 04 UNP supporters
namely U.K.Gunadasa, H.H.William, T.L.Ranjth and G.G.Thanuja Sampth.

When contacted H.H.William, a UNP supporter, alleged that the attacks
would have been carried out by the UPFA and they would not make a
complaint to the Police because they lacked trust in them.

When contacted, the Sooriyawewa Police Station, Sergeant Ratnaweera
stated that they had not as yet received a complaint.

UPFA supporters attacked in Pottuvil

On 26^th March, CMEV Field Monitor reported that National
Congress Organizer for Pottuvil, M.A.Majeed, and a group of National
Congress supporters, an ally of UPFA, were attacked with stones at a UNF
meeting held in Pottuvil.

According to CMEV Field Monitor, they were attacked by UNF supporters
gathered at the meeting after UPFA supporters in a van (WP HM 6975)
intentionally knocked down a pillar of the pavilion set up for the
meeting.

CMEV learnt that a tense situation arouse after the clash and
Mr.Majeed and two Police Officers namely M.Aleem(PC 49821) and Indula
Athula Mudali, Traffic OIC of the Pottuvil Police Station were injured.
Mr.Majeed was initially admitted to the Pottuvil District Base Hospital
and then to the Akkraipattu Base Hospital.

CMEV contacted M.S.M.Marsook,Chairman Pottuvil Pradeshiya Sabah(PS).
He informed CMEV that he and Mr.A.M.M.Thajudeen, Vice Chairman of
Pottuvil PS were arrested by the Police on 26^th March and
released on bail the following day.

When CMEV contacted the Pottuvil Police to get further details
regarding the incident an officer who did not reveal his name refused to
give any details regarding the incident and stated that they have
already released the necessary details to the media.

UNP supporter attacked in Kattankudi

On 24^th March N.M.Nishad, a UNP supporter, was attacked
allegedly by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate
M.A.M.Hisbulla(candidate no 03) in the Main street Kattankudi at around
08.10 pm while he was returning to his residence after a UNP meeting
held in Kattankudi. The victim sustained grievous injuries on his left
hand and was admitted to the ward no 14 of the Batticaloa Base Hospital.

When CMEV contacted Mr.Hisbullah, he denied the involvement of his
supporters in the incident.

CMEV Field Monitor visited the Kattankudi Police Station and
confirmed the incident. According to him, a complaint (EIB 166/111) has
been lodged with the Police by the victim and further investigations are
underway regarding the incident.

ITAK supporters arrested in Vaharai

On 26^th March ITAK candidate, Mr.Ariyanendran (candidate
no 01) made a complaint to CMEV that the Vaharai Police obstructed
vehicles of his supporters and arrested 12 ITAK supporters as well as
took into custody a vehicle in Vaharai at around 12.25 pm.

CMEV learnt that 06 of them were released by the Police on 26^th March at around 02.30 and the other 06 at around 08.00 pm on the same
day.

According to Ariyanendran, the Police have not yet stated the reason
for the arrests and that their vehicle is still in the custody of the
Police. Ariyanendran further alleged that they experienced the same
problem with the Vaharai Police during the last Presidential Election.

CMEV repeatedly contacted the Vaharai Police Station to get further
details regarding the incident but was not successful as no one
officially responded to the queries.

Attack on UPFA party office in Kaleliya

On 27^th March UPFA candidate Anjan Umma(candidate no 04)
made a compliant to CMEV that her party office located in Hansgiriya,
Kaleliya was attacked allegedly by a group of supporters of UPFA
candidate Kokila Harshani Gunawardhana(candidate no 21) on 25^th March at around 11.00 pm.

When CMEV contacted Sampath Wickramasinghe, coordinating secretary of
Anjan Umma, alleged that Kokila Harshani Gunawardhana was present at
the scene and that the perpetrators came in two Jeeps and a lorry and
they could not identify the vehicle numbers.

When contacted Kokila Harshani Gunawardhana categorically denied her
involvement in the incident.

CMEV learnt that no complaints have been lodged with the police in
this regard.

As of 28^th March CMEV has confirmed 235 incidents of
election related violence including 141 Major Incidents. The Use of
Fire- arms and the Misuse of Public Property has risen to 36 and 40
respectively.

Major Incidents include 48 incidents of Assault, 40 instances of
Public Property Misuse, 22 incidents of Threat and Intimidation, 09
instances of Damage to Property, 07 instances each of Arson, Hurt and
Grievous Hurt and 01 of Robbery.

CMEV has received 169 complaints against UPFA and its allies, of
which 46 were by party members. The UNP is accused in 11 incidents. In
45 instances, the party affiliation of the perpetrators is not
identified. CMEV has also received 03 complaints against the EPDP and 01
complaint each against the DNA and ITAK and an independent group
contesting in the Badulla District.

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

25^th March 2010,
Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV is deeply concerned by reports
alleging attempts to disenfranchise postal voters by officials in their
capacity as certifying officers in particular.

CMEV deployed 185 Mobile Monitors and 150 Stationary Monitors today
(25 March 2010) to monitor the postal voting and intends to have the
same deploy tomorrow.

CMEV recorded 25 postal voting related incidents today. As of 24^th March CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of 192 incidents including
121 Major Incidents.

The Major Incidents related to the postal voting are highlighted
below:

Sabaragamuwa Province

Zonal Education Office, Warakapola

On 24^th March CMEV received a complaint from Dedigama UNP
party office alleging that 05 non- government employees were included in
the list of postal voters. According the list M.P.Jayaweera of 4^th Regiment, Palali, has been named as the certifying officer.

On 25^th CMEV contacted a voter who was named in the above
list.  He stated that he is not a government employee and that he was
not aware of how his name came to be included on the postal voting list.
He suspects that someone has intentionally done this in order to deny
his voting rights, as he is a UNP supporter.

When contacted Mr.Jayaweera informed CMEV that he is a government
teacher at Nivatuwa Maha Vidyalaya and that he had also applied for
postal voting and marked his postal vote at Zonal Education Office,
Warakapola today. He further explained that he came to know about the
incident yesterday through the Grama Niladhari of his division and that
his forged signature has been used in the application.

CMEV contacted P.A. Senaratne, Assistant Election Commissioner of
Kegalle District. He informed CMEV that mistakenly their names were
replaced with similar names of government employees. He said that they
have been identified and that postal ballots were not sent to them. He
further assured CMEV that he has taken measures to make arrangements for
them to cast their votes on 08^th April.

On 25^th March at around 03.10 pm, CMEV contacted the
Kegalle District Returning Officer, Mrs.D.M.P.Dissanayake on this
account. She informed CMEV that she came to know about the incident
yesterday evening and they have started an investigation into the
matter. She also said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified.

CMEV will raise the issue with the Election Commissioner and urge him
to ensure a detailed investigation into the incident.

Rambukana Pradeshiya Sabah

According to the CMEV Monitor, as of 11.30 am, a double
cab(252-6894), a tipper( CP LC 9201) and a van(SB TA 4399) were parked
within the premises of Rambukana PS. The vehicles were decorated with
the propaganda material of UPFA candidate Kanaka Herath(candidate no
04). Fifty –two (52) postal votes were registered at the centre.

Central Province

Leminiar Tami Vidyalayam,Nuwara-Eliya

On 25^th March, CMEV received reports regarding an alleged
attempt to deny voters’ rights in Nuwara-Eliya.

According to two teachers of Leminiar Tamil Vidyalaya, namely
Saraswathi Pawani and Mrs.Rajakumran, they did not receive their postal
ballots though they had applied for postal voting. They alleged that the
Principal of the School did not submit their applications as they are
supporters of National Union of Workers, an ally of UNP.

A.Nagarajah a UNP Member of the Kotagala Pradeshiya Sabha informed
CMEV that the two  teachers were the only postal voters who did not
receive postal ballots. He alleges that the principal did this on
purpose to deny UNF voters of the franchise.

CMEV contacted the Zonal Education Office, Nuwara-Eliya,
B.Dharmasisiri Ranasinghe, an administrative officer of the department.
He told CMEV that they were not sent postal ballots because their
applications had not been received.

Uva Province

Mahiyangana Zonal Education Office: At around 03.35
pm CMEV Field Monitor reported that 245 applications for postal voting
were rejected by the respective Zonal Education Director, Mr.Susil
Wijeyatilaka due to late submission.

CMEV contacted Susil Wijetilaka who informed CMEV that he received
applications from staff until 26^th of February and due to the
transportation problems he was unable to submit the applications on the
due date. He further stated that he informed the Assistant Election
Commissioner’s Office on 26^th February that he was unable to
handover the applications on the due date and an officer instructed him
to send the applications by post. Mr.Susil Wijetialka
has sent the applications by post, they were rejected and he has no
record of who he spoke to.

CMEV contacted A.T.M.Talangama, Assistant Election Commissioner of
the Badulla District. He stated that they acted according the rules and
that the deadlines given by the Election Commissioner and the Director
of Mahiyangana Zonal Education Office was responsible for his delay.

CMEV has learnt that most of the applicants have applied for election
duty and might lose their right to vote.

Western Province

Maharagama Urban Council

At around 01.00 pm, CMEV Field Monitor reported that UPFA candidate
Sudharman Radaliyagoda(candidate no 05) and a group of supporters
wearing T-Shirts and Caps displaying the candidate’s number were seen
within the premises of the Council.

At around 01.20 pm, R.A.Somawathi, Certifying Officer of the centre,
informed CMEV that they were present in the morning and that she had
instructed them to leave the premises.  She further stated that since
she was inside the building, she was not aware of whether they have
entered again . She assured CMEV that she would look into the matter.

Forest Department Head Office, Malabe

On 25^th March, the CMEV Field Monitor reported that 19
postal vote applications were rejected due to their late submission.

Eastern Province

CMEV Field Monitors reported that they found the tops of ballot paper
envelopes stuck in several postal voting centres.  CMEV recorded 02
instances from the Paddiruppu electorate and 01 incident from the
Batticaloa electorate.

CMEV contacted the Assistant Election Commissioner of Batticaloa, T.
Krishnanandalingam. He informed CMEV that this was a mistake and that
they had deployed a mobile team to re-issue valid envelopes to postal
voters.

Kinniya Urban Council

At around 11.10 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a black
Pajero(WP C-655) displaying the beetle symbol and candidate no 07 was
parked inside the premises of Kinniya PS. Seventeem (17) postal votes
were registered at the centre.

Southern Province

Sooriyawewa Police Station

According to the CMEV Field Monitor all postal voting applications of
the Sooriyawewa Police Station have been rejected by the certifying
officer B.G.S.Sumanasinghe, OIC of the Sooriyawewa Police Station, on
grounds of late submission. An officer attached to the Hambantota
Assistant Election Commissioner’s office confirmed the incident.

Bopey-Poddala Pradeshiya Sabah

At around 12.40 pm, CMEV Field Monitor reported that supporters of
UPFA candidates namely Rev.Baddegama Samitha(candidate no 09) and
Piyasena Gamage(candidate no 03) and UNP candidate Wijyapala
Hettiarachchi(candidate no 11) were campaigning for their respective
candidates using the public addressing system near the Bopey-Poddala
Pradeshiya Sabha. They came in separate vehicle convoys. CMEV Field
Monitor has identified two vehicles as follows;

A cab (WPC 100299) belonging to Piyasena Gamage

A three-wheel (SP GE 2660) belonging to Wijayapala Hettiarachchi

25^th March 2010,
Colombo, Sri Lanka CMEV field reports reveal that
candidates and their supporters engage in electioneering within the
vicinity of postal voting centres.

Western Province

Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabah

At around 09.20 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a ‘12X6’ cut-out
of incumbent Minister of Nation Building and UPFA candidate Rohitha
Abeyagunawardhana(candidate no 03) and another cut-out of Nirmala
Kothalawala(candidate no 09) were displayed within the vicinity of the
Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabah(PS).

CMEV contacted Geethani, the Secretary and Certifying Officer of the
Kalutara PS, who told CMEV that she had instructed the officials to
remove the cutouts yesterday.  She assured CMEV that she will take
speedy measures to remove the cutouts. Sixteen (16) postal votes were
registered at the Kalutara PS.

Zonal Education Office Meerigama

According to the CMEV Monitor, two women claiming to be
representatives of UPFA candidate Basil Rajapakshe(candidate no 16) are
recording the details of individual postal voters of the respective
centre. They verbally threatened the CMEV Monitor when he questioned
them about this. Two postal voting centres are situated in the
department. One hundred and sixty one (161) and ninety-one (91) votes
were recorded at these centres. A similar incident was reported from the
Survey Department, Meerigama. Twelve (12) postal votes were registered
at the department.

On contacting his office, CMEV was informed that Mr Basil Rajapaksha
was not available as he was in a meeting.

Sabaragamuwa Province

Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha

At around 09.30 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a ‘10X5’ cutout
of UPFA candidate, H.R.Mithrapala(candidate no 03) was displayed within
the premises of the Deraniyagala PS. Another cutout of UPFA candidate
Kanaka Herath(candidate no 04) was also prominently displayed at the
entrance gate of the Deraniyagala PS. Ten (10) postal votes were
registered at the Deraniyagala PS.

According to the CMEV Field Monitor, a jeep (WP JR 3456) belonging to
Mithrapala was also parked within the premises of Deraniyagala PS.

Southern Province

Akuressa Depot

At around 09.30 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a medium size
cutout of UPFA candidate Manoj Sirisena(candidate no 05) was displayed
within the premises of the Akuressa Depot. Seventeen (17) votes were
registered at the centre.

North Western Province

Mundalam Divisional Secretariat

At around 09.30 am CMEV Field Monitor reported that a large number of
posters of UPFA candidate, Victor Antony (candidate no 06) were pasted
on the wall of the Mundalam Divisional Secretariat. Fifty (50) postal
votes were registered at the centre.

According to CMEV Field Monitor, within the 50m radius of the
Mundalam Divisional Secretariat small size cutouts of UPFA candidate
Milroy Ferenando(candidate no 10) were displayed along the road.

Nathandiya Divisional Secretariat

At around 10.10 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that a van (NW HU
9813) decorated with the propaganda material of UPFA candidate Arundika
Fernando(candidate no 04) was parked opposite the Nathandiya Divisional
Secretariat. Sixty one (61) postal votes were registered at the above
centre.

Northern Province

Valvettiturai Urban Council

At around 10.15 am, CMEV Field Monitor reported that two ACTC
supporters on motor bicycles issued pocket calendars and handouts in
support of ACTC candidates Gajendra Kumara Ponnambalm(candidate no 02)
and Sinnathurai Varatharajan(candidate no 10) opposite the Valvettiturai
Urban Council.  According to the CMEV Monitor, the Valvettiturai Police
Station is located nearby.  Twenty three (23) and fifty-nine (59)
postal votes were registered respectively from Valvettiturai Urban
Council and Valvettiturai Police station.

Eastern Province

Zonal Education Office, Pattiruppu

At around 10.40 am, the CMEV Field Monitor reported that a white
Dolphin van (62-5039) with the photographs and posters of TULF
candidate, Krishnapillai known as Vellimali (candidate no 03) was parked
inside the Zonal Education Office.  Two hundred and forty one (241)
postal votes were registered from the department.

23 March 2010, Colombo, Sri
Lanka: CMEV continues to receive reports regarding the
misuse of public resources for electioneering. CMEV has recorded 32
(29%) cases of public property misuse out of the 110 confirmed Major
Incidents as of 22^nd March 2010.

Attack on MTV/MBC Media

CMEV unreservedly condemns the attack on the MBC/MTV office located
at Braybrook Place, Colombo, yesterday 22nd March 2010. CMEV has learnt
that one of the buses used to transport the attackers was from the
Kelaniya Bus Depot.  On 22^nd March CMEV contacted the Slave
Island Police Station, CI Malin Perera, informed us that according to
the statements recorded from the arrested persons, some of them are
supporters of UPFA candidate Duminda de Silva (candidate no 08) who were
on their way to a musical show organized by him. Duminda de Silva
categorically denied the involvement of his supporters in the incident.

Whilst the precise motivation for the attack has yet to be
established, CMEV notes that it took place in the heart of the capital
in the afternoon and against a media organization that has been attacked
before.  The attack, in the context of a general election in
particular, adversely impacts the free flow of information, public
perceptions in respect of their access to information and the Rule of
Law.  CMEV calls on the Police to take effective and speedy action
against the attackers without fear or favour.

Repeated reports regarding the misuse of public property

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a meeting was held on 23^rd March at the Ashraff-Athaullah Memorial Hall, Pottuvil for school
teachers and principals at around 12.00 pm.

According to the CMEV Field Monitor, UPFA candidates namely A.H.Abdul
Basheer(candidate no 03),A.M.Lebbe(candidate no 05) and
A.M.Athaullah(candidate no 02) and Eastern Provincial Council Minister
of Road Development, Irrigation, Housing and Construction, Rural
Electrification and Water Supply Uduman Lebbe addressed the gathering.

CMEV learnt that the schools in the Pottuvil area were closed
at around 10.30am on the 23rd in order that the principals and teachers
could attend the above meeting.

CMEV contacted Mr.Muthalif, Deputy Director of Akkaraipattu
Zonal Education Department, who said that permission had not been
granted to close schools on the 23^rd.  He further stated that
he came to know that it was the Ministry of Education of the Eastern
Provincial Council that had given approval.

Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Council Ministry of
Education Mr.Weerawardhana, informed CMEV that this was not the case,
that he was not aware of the incident and that he would look into the
matter.

Mannar: on 22^nd March CMEV received
reports regarding the misuse of a building and staff of the National
Youth Council, Mannar in the campaign of the incumbent Minister of
Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA candidate Rishard
Badiudeen(candidate no 01). Reportedly, a meeting for organizers and
supporters of Rishad Badiudeen was held on 22^nd March at the
Council.

CMEV contacted the National Youth Council, Mannar and an officer
attached to the council denied that such a meeting took place.

Attempts to contact Rishard Badiudeen were not successful.

Jaffna: According to CMEV Field Monitor UPFA
candidate for Jaffna District, Alexander Charles (candidate no 04) has
conducted a meeting in the Kachai Government Tamil Mixed School on 18^th March 2010 at around 01.30 pm

When contacted, Alexander Charles, categorically denied the
allegation.

Nuwaraeliya: Allegedly the incumbent Minister of
Youth Empowerment and Socio Economic Development and UPFA candidate
Arumugan Ramanathen Thondaman(candidate no 10) conducted a  meeting at
Pathana College of Education main hall on 17^th March 2010.

CMEV learnt that five principles of government schools and trainees
attached to the college also attended the meeting. Three of them were
identified as the Principles of Barathi Maha Vidyalya, Highlands Central
College and Kotagala Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, respectively.

CMEV Field Monitor reported that a lorry (CP PA 5267) belonging to
the Kotagala Pradeshiya Saba is being used in the campaign of UPFA
candidate Shanthini Chandrasekran(candidate no 09).N.Sadasivam, a UPF
Praseshiya Sabah Member from Kotagala, denied the allegation.

CMEV welcomes the Election Commissioner’s guidelines prohibiting
public property misuse and highlights the section 104B (4) (a) of the 17^th amendment to the Constitution, which clearly states that;

The Commission shall have the power during the period of an
election, to prohibit the use of any movable or immovable property
belonging to the State or any public corporation

We urge the Commissioner to exercise the powers vested on him in the
interests of protecting and strengthening the integrity of the electoral
process.

As of 22^nd March 2010 CMEV has recorded a cumulative total
of 170 incidents including 110(64%) Major Incidents.  The Use of
Firearms has risen to 31(28%). CMEV has recorded 22 Major Incidents from
the Central Province, 17 from the North Western, 16 from Sabaragamuwa,
12 from the Eastern Province, 11 from Uva, 09 from the Southern
Province, 08 each from the Western and Northern Provinces and 07 from
North Western Province.

CMEV has received 127 complaints against the UPFA, 25 of which were
made by party members. The UNP was accused in 07 incidents, whilst in 35
cases the party affiliation of the perpetrators has not been
identified.  CMEV has recorded a complaint against an independent group
contesting in Badulla.

###

Download this PDF in Sinhala and Tamil.

Colombo, Sri Lanka: As of 20^th March, CMEV has recorded a cumulative total of
146 incidents of which 87 have been categorized as Major. The number of
incidents involving the Use of Firearms has risen to 29.

Some of the recent incidents of election related violence are
highlighted below. Download as Sinhala
PDF or as Tamil
PDF.

Arson attack on Lorry of UPFA supporter, Eravur, Batticaloa

On 20^th March at around 12.30 am a lorry belonging to UPFA
supporter, Ibrahim Raheem, was set on fire by an unidentified group in
Gandhi Road, Eravur. A complaint (ECIB 29/10) has been lodged with the
Eravur Police Station by Ibrahim Raheem in this regard.

CMEV Field Monitor visited the scene of the incident recorded a
statement from Ibrahim Raheem. He informed the CMEV monitor that he is a
UPFA supporter and that his vehicle is used for UPFA campaigning. 
According to the CMEV monitor, the front part of the lorry has been
completely burnt as a result of the attack.

A.C.M.Sayed, Officer in-charge of UPFA candidate, Ali Zahir
Moulana(candidate no 02) told CMEV that his vehicle is used to transport
furniture for the UPFA meetings and he is an active supporter of the
party.

C.G.A.S.Piyaratne, OIC, Eravur Police confirmed to CMEV that the
incident had occurred and stated that further investigations are
underway.

Attack on UNP vehicle convoy in Alankuda, Puttalam

According to A.M.Husain, SLMC working committee member, on 19^th March 2010 at around 04.00pm a UNP party office located near ‘B’ Camp
,Alankuda was attacked by a group of supporters of incumbent Minister of
Re-settlement and Disaster Relief Services and UPFA candidate for Vanni
District, Rishard Badiudeen(candidate no 01). Jamsir, a UNP supporter,
sustained minor injuries on his left hand due to the attack.

At around 08.00pm another attack on a vehicle convoy of UNP
candidates Noordeen Mashoor(candidate no 05), A.K.S.Hameethu(candidate
no 01) and M.H.Rinos(candidate no 08) was carried out by the supporters
of Rishard Badiudeen near the play ground Kalmunaikudi-B, Alankuda.
Thirteen (13) vehicles were damaged due to the attack and the estimated
loss is 240,000Rs, according to Mr.Hussain.

Mr.Hussain further alleged that the STF was also involved in the
incident and had assaulted the UNPers.

Minister Rishad Badiudeen was not contactable.

CMEV Field Monitor visited the Kalpitiya Police Station on 20^th March to get further details regarding the incidents, but the Police
did not provide any information. Attempts by the CMEV secretariat to get
details from the Police were also not successful.

CMEV has recorded 09 incidents from the Puttalam Electorate of which
07 are from Kalpitiya Police area. Only one complaint had been lodged
with the Kalpitiya Police. In two cases complainants directly alleged
that the Police is biased towards the ruling party and that they have no
trust in them.

Alleged mislead of voters in Chilaw

On 20^th March CMEV learnt that a letter dated 05^th March 2010 under the signature of the President of Sri Lanka Freedom
Graduate Association, Udula Nuwan Pathirana, has been circulated in
Chilaw, Puttalam. The letter requests graduates who wish to be employed
in the government sector to go house -to -house campaigning for the UPFA
for at least 20 days.

CMEV contacted Udula Nuwan Pathirana who denied the allegation and
stated that a letter is being circulated within the Chilaw Polling
Division with his forged signature. He also stated that he has informed
UPFA organizer for the Chilaw electorate and candidate, Neomal Perera
(candidate no 07) of this.  CMEV contacted Neomal Perera who stated that
he was not aware of the circulation of such a letter.  He categorically
denied the allegation that the party has decided to provide jobs only
to those who campaign for them.