Questions over 'most peaceful poll' as post poll violence increases

Incidents of post- election violence have seen a noticeable uptick this week compared to incidents that occurred before the February 10 Local Government (LG) Elections.

The period leading up to the election had widely been described as the most peaceful in living memory. No major incidents were reported on election day either. The lack of violence was attributed to the new electoral system and police taking a far more proactive role towards cracking down on election law violators.

Nevertheless, several serious incidents of post-election violence has been reported from several parts of the country since election results were announced. The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) noted that it had recorded 58 incidents post-election incidents from 4.30 p. m. on February 10 to 4.30 p. m. on February 14. There were 14 confirmed incidents of grievous assault, five incidents of assault and 14 incidents of intimidation and threats among them, according to the election monitor. There were also six confirmed incidents of damage to immovable property such as homes and business premises. Overall, there were 41 confirmed incidents of violations related to acts of violence, according to PAFFREL.

Several incidents of post-election violence saw several people being admitted to hospital. A confrontation between two candidates from the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who had contested the Medirigiriya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) left four persons in hospital on the night of February 10. The clash had caused dam- age to property and Medirigiriya Police had to impose a police curfew from 11.p.m. on February 10 to 5 a.m. the next day to prevent it from escalating.

Meanwhile, former Galle Mayor Kelum Seneviratne and two of his brothers were attacked inside a house by several individuals armed with swords and clubs. Mr Seneviratne had contested the election for the Galle Municipal Council from the SLPP and had emerged victorious. Both his brothers were admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. Mr Seneviratne had suffered injuries to two of his fingers.

A clash between UNP and SLPP supporters of candidates who contested the election from the Dambulla PS left four persons injured and five others arrested by Sigiriya Police.

A UNP candidate who contested the Attanagalla PS was arrested for allegedly assaulting two women on February 11. He was later released on bail.

Five persons who attempted to assault a coordinating secretary of Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam at the secretary’s home in Kuliyapitiya on February 11 were also arrested by police. Those arrested include a candidate from the SLPP who contested the LG election. They were later remanded in custody.

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) also noted this week that there seemed to be an increase in attacks against female candidates who contested the LG election. The CMEV has taken steps to notify the secretaries of political parties and police regarding the matter.