News

Candidates debate campaign spending limits

Published

1 month ago

August 17, 2024

editor

A few key candidates, in their meetings with the Election Commission to decide on a ceiling on campaign financing, have sought to spend as much as Rs.1,000 for a voter according to the new law whereas some others have quoted as low as 50 cents, a source said.

There were also candidates who quoted Rs. 350 per voter.

The Commission called for a meeting yesterday to discuss the amount of money to be spent by candidates in the draw in terms of the new Campaign Finance Act which stipulates them to stick to a certain amount agreed upon with the election authorities and to declare their funding sources. The new law is implemented for the first time in this election.

At yesterday’s meeting, the Commission asked for rates on behalf of each candidate who submitted them in detail. The Commission is expected to announce its decision depending on rates quoted by each of them and declare an acceptable amount in a gazette notification to be issued within the next couple of days.

The candidates who sought the highest rate of Rs.1,000 for a voter have cited the involvement of helicopter rides in campaigning across the country and printing posters outsourced to overseas companies as a reason for the high cost.

A top source of the Commission said some lesser-known candidates quoted low rates purely due to political reasons.

“They have not taken into account the current cost of living in deciding on the campaign financing amount. There were others who said Rs.20 per voter will be enough as decided in view of the local authorities election declared earlier but not concluded,” he said.

After the President-elect is announced, each candidate is required to declare their funding sources within 21 days. After that, the Commission will audit and publicize funding enabling people to move court in case any candidate has exceeded the spending ceiling.

(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Basil will return to lead SLPP’s General Election campaign – Sagara

Published

32 mins ago

September 20, 2024

editor

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has confirmed party founder Basil Rajapaksa’s departure from the country prior to the 2024 Presidential Election.
Confirming that Rajapaksa had left the island early this morning, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has said that he would return soon to lead the party’s general election activities.

“Basil Rajapaksa had already informed the party that he would be leaving the country. Following his medical checkup, he will return soon to lead the party’s general election activities,” MP Kariyawasam said.

Mr. Kariyawasam also refuted social media reports claiming that SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa’s two children had left Sri Lanka today with his wife’s family.

MP Kariyawasam revealed that Namal Rajapaksa and his family have visited the Kataragama Temple for religious observances.

Related News :

Basil Rajapaksa departs for USA

News

NAHTTF issues warning on cyber scam centers and human trafficking

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a serious warning about a rising trend in forced criminality linked to cyber scam centers in Myanmar.

Human traffickers are actively targeting young IT professionals through fraudulent job offers abroad, it said issuing a statement today.

Investigations reveal that traffickers are luring victims with promises of high-paying IT positions in countries like Thailand.

However, unsuspecting individuals are taken to transit countries such as Dubai for supposed job interviews before being forcibly moved across borders. Many end up in Myanmar, where they are coerced into working at cyber scam centers under brutal conditions, including physical abuse, torture, and electrocution, it said.

“We strongly advise against illegal migration routes,” the NAHTTF warned. “Job seekers must avoid opportunities that require travel on visit visas, as this violates the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act.”

The task force urges the public to pursue safe and legal migration options through authorized channels, remain vigilant, and report suspicious trafficking activities. Protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation is a top priority.

Reports of suspicious activity can be made to the NAHTTF via the following:

– Phone: 0112102570 / 076 844 7700
– Email: [email protected]

The statement added that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality and that public cooperation is crucial in dismantling dangerous trafficking networks and saving lives.

(daiilynews.lk)

News

FR petition challenges Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring plan

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

editor

Former IUSF convener Wasantha Mudalige has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the government’s decision to restructure Sri Lanka’s international sovereign bonds.

The petition claims the restructuring, which increased the debt from USD 16.4 billion to USD 19.1 billion, has violated citizens’ basic human rights by imposing a significant economic burden.

The petition names the Finance Minister, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank as respondents.

Mudalige argues that changes in interest rates under the restructuring program have worsened the debt situation for the country.