RANIL meets PAFFREL for discussion

   
Opposition Leader and UNP MP, Ranil Wickremesinghe met the Chairman of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Kingsley Rodrigo yesterday to discuss the pre-election violence and the United National Party’s concern over the upcoming Provincial Council Elections.
“They raised issues about the UPFA candidate Mangala Master, a member of the TMVP who is intimidating residents in areas where they have set up camps,” Rodrigo said. He alleged the UPFA is referring to the camps as their political offices.

Although Mangala Master, a UPFA candidate and his supporters might not be carrying weapons in public, Rodrigo said it was impossible to say that they have no effect on the people in the area and that people might be scared.

“We don’t have the power to go into election offices and check for weapons, as that power solely lies with the Elections Commissioner” Mr. Rodrigo said. The opposition political parties are concerned about the availability of weapons in TMVP political offices and the Elections Commissioner can have his men look into these offices and ensure safety he added.

Rodrigo alleged the UNP had experienced situations where the Police were reluctant to take down complaints of election violence committed by the UPFA candidates.