News

Candidates debate campaign spending limits

Published

5 months 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

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

News

UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

News

Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.