By Sarah Hannan

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) recorded an incident of assault just hours after the “silent period in the run up to the upcoming general election” was declared by the Election Commission (EC). According to CMEV, Colombo District United National Party (UNP) candidate Titus Perera's party office was attacked and occupants were assaulted by an unidentified group at 1.20 a.m. on yesterday (3). The office was damaged and two persons including the candidate’s wife sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo. “In comparison to other elections, the first 12 hours of the said silent period for the upcoming polls had less incidents reported over the violation of election-related regulations. While eight such incidents pertaining to campaigning and promotions were reported, it was quite unfortunate to observe this assault on a candidate’s office,” CMEV National Organiser Manjula Gajanayake told The Morning. As stipulated by the EC, during the silent period, one should abstain from any propaganda activity including conducting propaganda meetings, conducting pocket meetings or house meetings, visiting residences to canvas, distributing handbills, displaying advertising/placards at proclaimed party officers, and displaying posters, placards, banners, etc. Gajanayake also stated that it is practically difficult to block propaganda material being shared widely on social media and through messaging platforms by supporters of these candidates. However, their team appointed to monitor such activities will be taking note of all such promotional activities that are carried out in the next two days. The Morning’s attempts to contact UNP candidate Perera for comment proved futile.