COLOMBO (News1st): Former parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti has complained to the election commission against a recent cabinet decision that would allow state vehicles to be used for election propaganda activities.

Handunnetti claimed that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had obtained cabinet approval to allow several state officials, to use their official vehicles and residences for election campaigning.

This includes the prime minister, ministers, the former parliamentary speaker, the former opposition leader, former state ministers and those holding similar positions, according to the complaint.

“This is clearly a violation of elections laws,” the former parliamentarian insisted.

According to the election commission’s regulations, any form of state-owned property cannot be used for election activities from the date of declaring the poll until the results have been announced.

Handunnetti pointed out that the approval has been granted amidst calls made by the President’s Secretary requesting state employees to donate their salaries for May as a cost-cutting measure for the government.

“We know that state ministers no longer exist,” Handunnetti argued. “How can you give all of them not only a vehicle but a driver and fuel allowances?”.

Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections have been fixed for June 20. However, the election body has indicated that it could be postponed due to the current situation surrounding the coronavirus.

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