Measures have been sought against children being used in election campaigns.

The ‘Surakimu Daruwan’ National Movement has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission today (Sep. 11) in this regard.

Convener of the movement – Priyantha Herath has said, “Children are being used in canvassing and advertisement…  Children cannot be used for political purposes. We have complained to the National Child Protection Authority… Nothing was done. Therefore, we complained of this to the Election Commission.”

The Election Commission itself has informed all parties not to use children in their political campaigns.

Election Commissioner General – Saman Sri Ratnayake has reminded that the candidates have a responsibility to work for the future generations without making the sovereign power and people’s vote, a mere commodity.

He had further added : “Voters too have a responsibility to think about how to use their vote. It is also the responsibility of the NCPA to look into these matters. It is not something that needs to specially reminded by the Election Commission.”

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three other suspects, implicated in the alleged importation of substandard human immunoglobulin vials, have been released on bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has decided to commence an island wide strike next Wednesday (Sep. 18).
GMOA spokesman – Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe says this is a mark of protest against the disciplinary investigation against Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa without a formal complaint.

In addition, it has also been decided to display black flags at all hospitals for a week, he says.