News
The Law is blind
View(s):Canvassing for the forthcoming provincial election has already commenced, violating government regulations on motor vehicles. Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses are being utilised for the election campaign of the ruling party, while the rear windscreens of private buses too are found plastered with posters of both prospective ruling and opposition party candidates.
The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has pointed out that the display of posters on a bus or on assets belonging to SLTB is a violation of the Motor Traffic Ordinance. Executive Director of CaFFE, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon accused “Shenal Welgama, son of Transport and Highways Minister Kumara Welgama, of using SLTB buses to display his posters was a clear indication that state property was being misused.
Though it is not an election law as yet, this is a clear indication what would take place after nominations are received,” he said. Police have been carrying out a campaign to prevent the display of posters and advertisements on the rear of vehicles as they tend to distract other motorists.
Election posters are seen to cover the rear windscreen of even private buses
Smiling faces of candidates defacing buses and violating election laws
Anywhere one goes, one cannot fail to see election laws being blatantly violated
While candidates might enjoy seeing large photos of themselves, the public largely ignore them
The President’s picture is on posters pasted on SLCTB buses
Buses at the main bus halt at Matara seem to be exclusively advertising ruling party candidates
- Buses at the main bus halt at Matara seem to be exclusively advertising ruling party candidates