Candidates violating Code of Ethics issued by EC - CMEV
Attention drawn to a weekend newspaper advertisement
Violating the Code of Ethics announced by the Election Commission by using, statements made by military officers
The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), drawing the attention of the Elections Commission (EC) on a news paper advertisement inserted on Sunday (13) in support of SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that it has violated the Code of Ethics, the EC has vehemently appealed to the media to ensure a free and fair election. National Coordinator of the CMEV, Manjula Gajanayaka in a letter to the members of the EC urges suitable measures be taken in response to these advertisements inserted in three leading weekend newspapers and notify the CMEV about measures taken in relation to the issue. The letter to the EC under the heading, “violating the Code of Ethics announced by the Election Commission by using, statements made by military officers” by the CMEV in full is as follows. “Despite the requirement of every candidate contesting the Presidential Election to abide by the Code of Ethics set out by the Election Commission when conducting their election campaigns, the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) wishes to draw the attention of the Election Commission to a violation of the Code of Ethics, as appeared in a paper advertisement. Three newspapers on 13. 10. 2019 (Sunday) have carried full-page advertisements which featured statements made by former Tri-forces Commanders about Presidential Candidate, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. One example that stands out is the statement made by the present Army Commander, Lt. Gen Shavendra Silva on December 28, 2009. Lt. General Silva is still the Army Commander on active duty and the use of his statement compromises the integrity of civilmilitary relations in Sri Lanka. We further believe that the Integrity of the election would be severely compromised if other candidates also adopted this practice. We recommend that suitable measures be taken in response to this and greatly appreciate it if you notify us about the measures taken in relation to this matter.