By: Staff Writer

November 02, Colombo (LNW): Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), a well-known corruption watchdog, has stationed around 160 observers across all districts to monitor public resource misuse in the 2024 General Election.

Since October 14, TISL has received 70 complaints, mainly regarding new appointments in public institutions that raise concerns over potential abuse of power for political gains.

One such complaint involved a candidate allegedly appointed to a public service position, prompting TISL to lodge a formal complaint with the Election Commission.

TISL’s National Coordinator for the Programme for the Protection of Public Resources (PPPR), Thushanie Kandilpana, emphasized the organization’s vigilance toward the new ruling party, particularly any misuse of public assets during the campaign.

Kandilpana noted the recent appointments of new governors, ministry secretaries, and chairpersons, pointing out that some of these individuals may have political ties, which could compromise election integrity.

TISL reminded these appointees to adhere to election laws and avoid exploiting public resources, highlighting similar instances from previous elections where public assets, such as government vehicles, were misused by officials.

Speaking at a press conference at TISL’s Nawala office, Kandilpana recalled that TISL had received 117 complaints of public resource misuse involving government officials during the last Presidential Election.

This led the Election Commission to remove over 40 officials from election duties, reinforcing TISL’s call for stringent enforcement of election regulations. In that election,

 TISL registered over 1,000 complaints, some of which remain under investigation. One high-profile case involved Lanka Mineral Sands Ltd., which hired 47 employees above the required cadre during the election period.

TISL continues to pursue this case with the Ministry of Industries and has indicated its readiness to take legal action if necessary.

To encourage civic involvement, TISL urged the public to report any misuse of public resources during the election, providing various reporting options, including their website (www.apesalli.lk), a hotline (076 322 3442 with WhatsApp support), and fax (011 286 5777). Verified complaints will be forwarded to the Election Commission for further action.

In addition, TISL raised concerns over recent appointments within the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) in Jaffna, suggesting these changes breach election laws.

During the campaign, TISL noted, the ruling party appointed new board members and replaced the chairman twice within 12 days.

Election law prohibits new appointments, promotions, or transfers without the Election Commission’s prior approval during the election period.

TISL has formally requested the Election Commission to investigate these appointments and take corrective action, arguing that such actions undermine public trust and could impair the electoral process’s fairness.

TISL has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration to halt further appointments in public institutions until after the election.

This appeal aligns with previous criticisms by Dissanayake’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) party when it was in the opposition, where it pledged to ensure transparent, corruption-free governance devoid of political interference.