TISL urges action against public resource misuse in 2024 presidential election

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has voiced serious concerns over widespread misuse of public resources during the 2024 Presidential Election.

As of September 4, TISL has received 580 complaints, urging the Election Commission (EC) to take immediate action to address these violations and maintain election integrity.

TISL reported misuse of government vehicles, including those from the Sri Lanka Transport Board and Sri Lanka Air Force, for election campaigns and have filed Right to Information (RTI) requests to ensure transparency.

Additionally, public officers, including senior officials without political rights, have been reported for actively campaigning for political parties, both in person and on social media. TISL has urged EC and heads of institutions to reassess the deployment of such officers for election duties.

At a press conference, Nadishani Perera, TISL’s Executive Director, expressed concern over government decisions seemingly aimed at influencing voter groups, such as loan write-offs for farmers and the integration of school development officers into the teaching service.

She emphasized the importance of vigilance from citizens to prevent manipulation of their votes.

Thushanie Kandilpana, National Coordinator of TISL’s Programme for Protecting Public Resources, called for greater accountability and urged EC to stop the misuse of the President’s Media Division for promoting a specific candidate.

TISL further encourages citizens to report any misuse of public resources via www.apesalli.lk or the hotline 0763223442, emphasizing the critical role of public vigilance in preserving a free and fair election.