Election Commissioner warns of severe penalties for overspending presidential candidates

The Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake, has issued a stern warning to presidential candidates, stating that those found guilty by the courts of exceeding the legally permitted spending limit per voter will face serious consequences. 

These penalties include the loss of their position and a three-year revocation of their civil rights.

Speaking at an event in Kandy, Mr. Ratnayake highlighted that these regulations are detailed in Gazette No. 03 of 2023. He also reminded candidates of the long-standing requirement, in place since 1947, to submit asset and liability statements within 31 days after the election. 

Failure to comply with this requirement, or providing false information, is a punishable offense, with historical precedents showing that individuals have lost both their positions and civil rights for such violations.

Additionally, under a newly enacted law, candidates must submit comprehensive reports on their income and expenditures to the Election Commission within 21 days of the election. 

These reports will be made available to the public through newspaper advertisements and websites. Mr. Ratnayake emphasized that if discrepancies are discovered in these expense reports, the public is legally empowered to file complaints with the police and initiate court proceedings against the offenders.