A publication of HRCSL’s General recommendation on Election Guidelines which was
prepared based on the final report of Southern and Western Provincial Council Elections
was used to discuss practical difficulties in implementing election laws and how to over
come them.
3.2.2
Presidential Election 2015
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka used its mandate effectively to ensure free and
fair election in the Presidential Election 2015.
Several discussions conducted with Commissioner of Elections with this regard. It was
complained to HRCSL that the local Government Authorities are treated discriminately
when allocating public ground and public halls to Political Candidates.
HRCSL issued directives to all the Commissioners and Secretaries of Local Government
Authorities to uphold the rule of law to conduct free & fair election.
To ensure voting rights of the employees working in the private sector HRCSL conducted
a meeting with Commissioner of Elections, Secretary to Ministry of Labour and Labour
relations and the Commissioner General of Labour on 22.12.2014. Commissioner of
Elections proposed distances and entitled leave which is appreciated to HRCSL and
HRCSL issued recommendation to the Ministry of Labour. Thereafter actions had been
taken by the Minister to issue it as a regulation.
HRCSL closely worked with the Office of Commissioner General of Labour on Election
Day to ensure voting rights of private sector employees.
HRCSL summoned following state agencies as those agencies were alleged by Election
Monitoring groups for voluntary election laws.
o Department of Government Printers
o Department of Postal
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