1. In case a situation has arisen in which people have had to stay in secure places away
from their residences due to a man-made or natural disaster, the Department of
Elections should inquire into the prevailing situation through its district level officers
and provide opportunities for people to cast their votes in that situation.
2. As reported, due to the fact that house owners reject the registration of tenants in the
electoral register under their addresses and house numbers, suitable steps have to be
taken to ensure the right of tenants to be registered in the electoral list and thereby
provide them with the opportunity to cast their votes in forthcoming elections.
3. Appointing an officer in the Department of Elections for coordinating the activities
carried out by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka during the election period
in order that the relationship with the Commissioner of Elections could be more
regulated.
4.2.1. Freedom of Expression
During the period of the Presidential election 2015, it was reported to the Human Rights
Commission of Sri Lanka that when permission was sought to hold meetings at specific
places that were within the purview of the local government authorities, certain political
parties were given favoured treatment and others were deprived of this right on the basis that
such places were reserved for other activities not related to the election process. The
Elections Commissioner reported this practice to this Commission. During the inquiry into
the complaint HRC/5030/2014 filed by Mr. S. Ranwala, Member of the Western Provincial
Council before the Chairman of HRCSL, the Elections Commissioner pointed out the
importance of conducting a national level meeting with all Provincial Commissioners of
Local Government Department relating to reservation of public places during the election
period.
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