President orders not to use his photographs in election campaign

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ordered not to use his photographs by candidates contesting the upcoming election in their propaganda campaign, President Media Division (PMD) said.

No public official serving in security forces, government service, Corporations, Boards of Statutory Boards should engage in political activities, President further instructed.

Secretary to the President, P.B. Jayasundera in  a letter sent yesterday to all Governors, Ministry Secretaries, District and Provincial Secretaries and other head of divisions stated that information has been received to the effect that candidates contesting the election are using the photographs of the President in their campaign, secure service of the Army officers and public officials and promise job appointments.

The President has instructed his Secretary to strictly advice relevant parties not to use the photograph of the President in election campaigns and public officials to refrain from engaging in political activities.