The People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of encouraging election campaigning during the legally mandated silent period.

The complaint was filed after the PM had allegedly made a statement that could be construed as a violation of electoral regulations. The incident had occurred during a National People’s Power (NPP) election rally held in Thelawala, Moratuwa, on May 03.

We have monitored that Prime Minister Amarasuriya has made a remark which could be seen as encouraging her supporters to engage in campaigning even after the silent period from May 3 2025. The Premier’s remark is an act of encouraging her supporters to violate electoral law while she has neglected the law herself,” PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hetiarachchi said in his letter.

“The encouragement to campaign during the silent period is not only a disregard for election regulations but also a serious blow to the culture of clean and fair politics we are trying to build,” Hettiarachchi has added.

PAFFREL has urged the Election Commission to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and take the necessary action to maintain the integrity of the upcoming Local Government Election.

Meanwhile, the Smagi Jana Balawegaya too has lodged a complaint with the EC over this event.

Speaking to media after lodging the complaint, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman has said that this statement was serious and as an independent commission, the EC will take measures to nullify all NPP nominations on this grounds.

(Video : VoiceTube)

Mahara Magistrate Kanchana De Silva yesterday (May 05) issued an open warrant for the arrest of former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera and former Kelaniya PS member Milroy Perera.

The duo are evading court in a case involving the sale of government property to private individuals using forged documents.

FCID Officer-in-Charge, Inspector P. Wijethunga further informed the court that attempts to arrest Prasanna Ranaweera and Milroy Perera included searches at their residences and known locations, but both had absconded and their phones were disconnected. He noted that Ranaweera frequently travels to Damana, Ampara, but searches there were also unsuccessful.

The court was also requested to issue orders to around 30 banks where the suspects hold accounts, directing them to provide details on account balances and assets. Similarly, the Department of Motor Traffic was asked to submit reports on all vehicles registered under the suspects’ names.

Accordingly, the Magistrate has directed the relevant banks and the Department of Motor Traffic to provide the CID with the necessary details.

These orders were issued following a request by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the CID, which informed the court that the suspects were evading arrest despite previously issued warrants.

The Magistrate also ordered that 04 other suspects currently in remand custody – former State Minister Mervyn Silva, Former Deputy Chairman of Kelaniya PS – Dr. Jayantha Singhabahu Cabraal, Navin Weerakoon, and Silva’s former Parliamentary Affairs Secretary – Don Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe (aka Singappuru Sarath) – be further remanded until May 19.

Representing the second suspect Mervyn Silva, Maithri Gunaratne P.C. had argued that there was no evidence against his client and requested a summary report of all witness statements from the CID. The Magistrate granted the request and ordered the CID to submit the report.

President’s Counsel Neville Abeyratne, representing suspects Dr. Jayantha Singhabahu Cabraal and Don Sarath Kumara Edirisinghe, informed the court that bail applications had been filed with the High Court.

Attorney Deshal Paul, representing Edirisinghe, requested court permission for his client’s business manager to operate his businesses in his absence. The Magistrate granted the request.

A medical report concerning Mervyn Silva’s health was submitted, stating that he required specialist treatment. He has since been examined at Ragama Teaching Hospital and is receiving treatment. Both the prison hospital and Ragama Hospital raised no objections to further medical examination.

(Source: Aruna)

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged all responsible authorities in Universities and other Higher Educational Institutions to take necessary preemptive action and incorporate a zero-tolerance policy on unlawful ragging.

The BASL said this in a statement issued yesterday (May 05) with regard to the recent suicide by a student at the Sabaragamuwa University connected with an alleged incident of ragging. 

The BASL says they strongly condemn any form of ragging, bullying or violence directed at any student at any educational institution which is not only violative of the law but also in violation of basic human values and conduct.

“The BASL is deeply concerned about the inadequate implementation of the provisions of the ‘Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. 20 of 1998’, by law enforcement authorities, against perpetrators of ragging and violence in these Institutions. The BASL is also mindful of the applicability of the provisions of the ‘Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. 22 of 1994’ and the relevant provisions of the Penal Code,” the statement notes.

“The BASL is also considering seeking intervention of the Courts of Law to ensure better implementation and enforcement of the applicable law,” the statement added.

The full statement of the BASL is as follows :