The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding an announcement made by the Presidential Media Division yesterday (Sep. 03), with regard to a salary increase in the state sector.
The SJB alleges that the timing of this announcement is strategically aimed at influencing the postal voting period, which begins today (Sep. 04).
Arguing that this action constitutes a violation of the Presidential Election Act, the SJB has called on the Election Commission to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter.
They have also urged the EC to issue an order to withdraw the notification issued by the government.
PAFFREL also concerned
Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Election Commission Chairman, the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has also urged the Commission to look into the same matter.
While stating that they have no objection to seeing salaries of government employees being increased, PAFFREL said they are only concerned with the fact that the announcement comes just two days before the postal voting ahead of the Presidential election.
PAFFREL also recalls how the government turned a complete blind eye towards the government employees when they had demanded a Rs. 10000 pay rise a couple of months ago.
