Archive for April 2010
Parliamentary Elections 2010: Election day media communiqué 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.
Audio updates on election violence: Parliamentary elections 2010
CMEV has uploaded audio updates in English, Sinhala and Tamil throughout the day. They can all be streamed online, downloaded as MP3′s, emailed or embedded on blogs or websites.
Access them here.
Parliamentary Elections 2010: Election day media communiqué 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.
Polling day monitoring updates: Sri Lankan Parliamentary Election 2010
8 April 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) is accredited with the Elections Commissioner to monitor election violence in the lead up to and on the day of the presidential election. During the campaign, CMEV published special reports, daily monitoring updates and over 10 communiques with detailed information on election related violence throughout Sri Lanka. An interactive map flagging over 200 of major and minor incidents leading up to polling day can be accessed here.
Polling day updates
On 8 April 2010, CMEV will disseminate monitoring reports email, its website and also via,
- Audio updates / podcasts in English, Sinhala and Tamil uploaded to http://drop.io/cmevelections
These updates can be downloaded as MP3s for broadcast, listened to online, embedded on any website and social networking platform, emailed or easily linked to. Special incidents will also be covered in these updates, and to help reduce the burden on CMEV, journalists are strongly encouraged to use this feed as their primary channel of regular soundbites .
- An election day violence map which is updated throughout the day – http://bit.ly/generalelections2010
- On Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/electionviolence
- Via Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/cmev
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
Total number of Incidents: 413
Major incidents: 231
Minor incidents: 182
Firearms involved: 55
Intra party disputes
UPFA against UPFA – 78
UNP against UNP – 2
Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Special Release on voter concerns: Parliamentary Election 2010
6th April 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV has received reports from the Puttalam and Batticaloa Districts alleging preparations for voter impersonation in the polls on the 08th. CMEV urges the Commissioner to investigate these allegations and ensure that all action is taken to prevent voter impersonation.
Illegal applications under displaced category in Puttalam District
On 30th March, CMEV received a copy of the letter, addressed to the Election Commissioner, from UNP candidate for Vanni District Noordeen Mashoor regarding illegal voter applications under the displaced category in the Puttalm District.
In the letter, he alleged that this was done on the instigation of the incumbent Minister and UPFA candidate Rishard Badiudeen. The letter mentions that most of such voters currently reside in Colombo and Panadura. The rest are either living abroad or have died.
On contacting Noordeen Mashoor’s Office, CMEV was informed that in centres highlighted in the letter, there was a remarkable increase in the number of voters compared to the last presidential election. Manalkunru(PD No.29D), Cassim city(PD No.42D/3), Veppamadu(PD No.23 D/1), Alankuda(PD No.54/D1 & 54D/2), Ulukkappallam(PD No.77D/1& 77/2), Hidayath Nagar(PD No.86D) and Thillayady(PD No.40D) in the Puttalam District and Salampapuram (PD No.43D) in the Anurdhapura District were highlighted in the letter.
An officer attached to Mashoor’s office told CMEV that a list highlighting every individual’s current status has been prepared in order to identify the illegal applications. According to him, there are around 6,000 such voters. He also informed CMEV that the copies have been given to the Election Commissioner and respective Returning Officer and Assistant Election Commissioner. He said that they were awaiting action in this regard.
On contacting the Assistant Election Commissioner and the Returning Officer of Puttalam, CMEV learnt that they have started investigations into the matter. On 02nd April CMEV was told by the Assistant Election Commissioner-Puttalam Mr.A.O.M.Nafeel that in a random check they did based on the list they received from the complainant, they identified around 27 applications with forged signatures of Grama Niladharis. He further explained that since they do not have an updated list of people residing in the camps, it is difficult to compare the lists. He also said that they did not have enough time and resources to conduct a check on an individual basis. He stated that after the consultation with the Commissioner, they would take a decision regarding the mater.
On 03rd April CMEV learnt that the Commissioner issued a notice on the issue on 02nd April. CMEV got a copy of the notice on 04th April.
It is mentioned in the notice that 25,582 displaced voters (21,035 for Vanni and 4,547 for Jaffna) have applied under the displaced category and they will be allowed to cast their votes in centres to be set up in the Puttalam District.
It is further noted in the notice that the lists of displaced voters under this category were displayed in the Puttalam and Mannar Election Offices and in the respective Divisional Secretariats a week ago. They subsequently received complaints from some voters in Mannar that they did not apply under this category. Accordingly, they will be allowed to vote in their regular polling centres in Mannar, the notice states.
It is also stated in the notice that they have identified some applications with forged details and signatures and that in many cases Grama Niladaris had not attested the applications.
CMEV has learnt that applications of those living abroad and deceased were submitted with forged signatures. This is also mentioned in the notice.
It is explained in the notice that the Puttalam Assistant Election Commissioner’s Department attempted to get a list of people over 18 yrs through the respective Returning Officer. However, the lists have yet to be submitted by the respective camp officers. Therefore, it is difficult to conduct a fair poll in 37 centres set up in the Puttalam District.
The notice instructs displaced voters to get their respective camp officer and Grama Niladari to attest the form issued by the Department of Election. However there are concerns in respect of the former since camp officers are appointed by Rishard Badiudeen’s ministry and with the time period available for this.
On 05th April CMEV contacted the respective Returning Officer in this regard, he informed CMEV that the Commissioner has issued another notice today considering all the issues. According to him a declaration will be obtained from voters at the discretion of the SPOs or if a polling agent objects, according to the section 43 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Measures will be taken to inform the people through Grama Niladharis.
CMEV notes that this is not the first time illegal applications have been submitted from the Puttalam District. During the Jaffna MC and Vavuniya UC Elections, 488 such applications were found and removed by the Election Commissioner. Moreover, the annulment of results in a polling centre due to malpractices has also happened in the Puttalm District in the recent past.
CMEV notes with concern the lack of preparedness for the conduct of the polls and underscores the lack of an updated list of people residing in the camps, though displacement occurred 20 years ago. .
CMEV calls upon the respective Returning Officer and Assistant Election Commissioner to act fast to effectively communicate the message to the concerned people and to remove the confusion arising from constant changes of the procedures within a very short period.
Allegations of preparation for systematic voter impersonation
On 04th April CMEV received a copy of a letter, addressed to the Election Commissioner on 30th March 2010, from UNP candidate for the Batticaloa District U.L.M.N.Mubeen
He alleged, in the letter, that a UPFA candidate plans large- scale voter impersonation using forged NICs.
The letter states that the candidate in question has visited the town to collect the details of traders who are voters in the Batticaloa Distric but currently residing outside the Distrixt for business purposes. It is also alleged that the candidate has collected a copies of the latter’s NICs for purposes of impersonation.
The letter alleges that Mr.Abdul Raheem known as Rupavahini Raheem has been assigned the task of forging NICs and that the candidate has engaged in impersonation in previous elections, including the last Eastern Provincial Council Election.
The letter requests the Commissioner to inform the Police of this and recommends that election officials from Kattankudy not be appointed to this area. Likewise election monitors.
CMEV reiterates its call to the Commissioner to act to ensure that voter impersonation as alleged does not take place.
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
Total number of Incidents: 398
Major incidents: 223
Minor incidents: 175
Firearms involved: 53
Intra party disputes
UPFA against UPFA – 75
UNP against UNP – 2
Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communiqué 10
5 April 2010, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CMEV has received confirmation of the first election related murder and reports of the further intensification of violence as the campaign draws to a close today, midnight. A tense situation is reported from the Sinhala areas of the Digamadulla District due to the competition between candidates for preference votes.
Tense situation reported in Ampra
CMEV field reports revealed that a tense situation prevails in Ampara and Mahaoya areas due to a UPFA intra party clash between supporters of UPFA candidates Sarath Weerasekara(candidate no 10) and Ferial Ashrof(candidate no 01) on 04th April at around 11.00 am in Ampara town. Saman Morayas, Vice Chairman of the Ampara Urban Council and Wimal Weera Dissanayake, Eastern Province Minister of Education, Cultural Affairs, Lands and Land Development and Transport were also attacked in the incident.
CMEV learnt that protests against Sarath Weerasekara were organized in Mahaoya town and Damana 04th Mile Post at around 12.00 pm today. A protest was also held in Ampara town, yesterday, against him. Reportedly the protests are backed by Wimal Weera Dissanayake.
According to the information from the field, posters which state ‘vote for a Sinhalee beyond party or colour’ in Sinhala have been displayed in Sinhala areas.
In previous reports, CMEV also highlighted a Harthal in the Pottuvil area on 03rd April against UPFA candidate A.L.M.Athaullah.
UPFA supporter shot dead in Kurunegala
CMEV learnt that R.D.Jeewan Prasanna Jayawardhana, a UPFA supporter, was shot dead by an unknown group in Mawathagama at around 11.00 pm yesterday.
CMEV learnt that the deceased was a supporter of UPFA candidate R.D.Wimaladasa(candidate no 06).
When CMEV contacted Wimaladasa’s office, Chandalal Wijesooriya, a driver who witnessed the murder, informed CMEV that while they were returning from Kurunegala to Mawathagama in a double cab (NW PB 3968), an unknown group in a double cab confronted them and opened fire towards their vehicle. According to him, Jeewan was sitting in the back seat of the cab. He further explained that when they reached the Kurunegala Hospital Jeewan had died and that they had informed the Police at the time of the incident.
Wimaldasa suspects that the attack was carried out by UNPers, since he was informed that some UNP supporters had been searching for Kasun, another supporter of his, prior to this attack.
When CMEV contacted the Mawathagama Police Station, a women Police Officer informed CMEV that they had received an anonymous call regarding the incident at around 11.45 pm. She further stated that investigations are being carried out.
Dr.N.D.S.Rajamanthiri of Kurunegala General Hospital confirmed that the person had died when he was brought to the hospital.
DNA supporters assaulted in Wattala
A group of DNA supporters who were pasting posters, were assaulted by a group of supports of UPFA candidate for Gampaha District, Neil Rupasinghe(candidate no 12) in Pattiyawala, Uswetakeiyawa at around 03.00 am on 03rd April.
CMEV Field Monitor visited the residence of M.N.C.Dias, a victim, and recorded a statement from him. According to him, he and M.A.Ranjith Kumara, another DNA supporter, were assaulted and Ranjith managed to escape from the attack. Subsequently he was forcibly pulled into the vehicle and brought to Neil Rupasinghe’s residence located in Hendala,Wattala. He was ordered to kneel down and was assaulted by Neil Rupasinghe’s supporters at his residence as well. He further explained that he was dropped at the point where they snatched him.
He further stated that he saw the UPFA supporters waving to the police officers when they passed the Police check -point located in Wattala Shell Gas Junction. He expressed his disappointment with the Police over their inactivity and stated that he would not complain to the Police in this regard as he lacked trust in them.
When CMEV contacted the Wattala Police Station it was informed that the Muthurajawela Police Post is in charge of deployment at the above named check -point. When CMEV contacted the Muthurajawela Police Post, PC Sanjeewa Kumara informed CMEV that on the particular day they did not deploy any officers to the above post.
When CMEV contacted Neil Rupasinghe in this regard, he categorically denied the allegations.
Intra party clash in Anuradhapura
CMEV learnt that a group of supporters of UPFA candidate Duminda Dissanayake(candidate no 06) was assaulted by a group of supporters of UPFA candidate S.M.Chandrasena(candidate no 11) near Eppawala Epologama Rathgiriyagama Vidyalaya, Kekirawa at around 06 pm on 02nd April.
On 03rd April CMEV contacted Ajith Kumara, Coordinating Secretary to Duminda Dissanayake. He informed CMEV that 08 supporters were injured due to the attack and admitted to the Anurdhapura General Hospital. He alleged that the perpetrators ordered them to kneel down and threatened them with firearms.
When CMEV contacted R.M.R.Somaratne, Coordinating Secretary to S.M.Chandrasena, he denied the allegations and stated that supporters of Duminda Dissanyake assaulted them and that five of them sustained injuries in the attack and were subsequently admitted to the Anuradhapura General Hospital.
CMEV contacted the Kekirawa Police Station. A Police Sergeant told CMEV that they received a 119 call regarding the incident and on the basis of that information further investigations are being carried out
On contacting the Anuradhapura Hospital, CMEV learnt that 10 people who were injured in the attack were admitted to the hospital.
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
Total number of Incidents: 363
Major incidents: 206
Minor incidents: 157
Firearms involved: 49
Intra party disputes
UPFA against UPFA – 72
UNP against UNP – 1
Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
Total number of Incidents: 341
Major incidents: 196
Minor incidents: 145
Firearms involved: 45
Intra party disputes
UPFA against UPFA – 68
UNP against UNP – 1
Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Monitoring election violence in Sri Lanka Parliamentary Election 2010: Media Communiqué 9
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 02nd 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 03rd 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 03rd 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 3rd 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 02nd 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 03rd 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
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
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.
Parliamentary Election April 2010: Summary of incidents to date
Summary of incidents received to CMEV by 4.30 p.m. 2nd April 2010.
Total number of Incidents: 307
Major incidents: 178
Minor incidents: 129
Firearms involved: 43
Details here in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Parliamentary Election 2010: Violence and malpractices on map and Flickr
Photographs taken by CMEV monitors on election violence and malpractices in the lead up to the parliamentary election are now on Flickr as well as embedded into our Google map.
