<ul><li> If legal provisions are in place to allow new nominations, EC will follow them: Rathnayake</li></ul>The Election Commission (EC) yesterday (8) opined that the decision regarding going ahead with the submitted nominations for the Local Government (LG) Elections will be based on the prevailing legal framework at the time they declare the elections.The Cabinet of Ministers recently granted approval to make necessary provisions for the recalling of nominations for indefinitely-postponed LG Elections. This decision was made in the midst of reports that several candidates who submitted nominations to contest the LG Elections have left the country, and some others have passed away.Speaking to The Daily Morning on the matter, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that they would declare the LG Elections at earliest possible, and added that the decision whether to go ahead with the already-submitted nominations or not would be made as per the legal framework that would prevail at that time. “If the legal provisions for the recalling of nominations will be in place by then, we will have to work according to them. However, we can’t wait for a long time until such legal provisions are introduced.”The LG Elections were initially scheduled to be held on 9 March 2023, but the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry and General Treasury had not released the required funds to the EC, which then rescheduled it (elections) to 25 April, and the postal voting to 28,29,30 and 31 March and 3 April 2023. Since the funds were not released by that time too, the EC once again postponed the elections, indefinitely.Following the recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling that the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General, and former EC members have violated the fundamental rights of citizens by postponing the LG Elections, originally scheduled for, the EC pledged that it would hold the LG Elections at the earliest possible time with due regard to its duty to hold other elections as required by the law.

Delayed LG elections: EC to decide on submitted nominations when polls are called

<ul><li>&nbsp; Guns made available for purchase and licensing due to many requests: State Min.&nbsp;</li></ul>The licences for repeater guns being purchased by Parliamentarians, following the Ministry of Defence's recent decision, will be renewed annually after conducting a threat assessment on the respective MPs, stated the State Ministry of Defence.The Ministry of Defence had informed the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera recently that MPs would be allowed to purchase two repeater shotguns each from their personal funds, and retain them even after they are out of office.When asked by The Daily Morning about the potential concerns of allowing MPs to keep the guns even after their term of office ends, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon clarified that the gun licences must be renewed annually."These guns are not issued permanently. Their licences have to be renewed every year, and the decision to renew them will depend on the threat assessments for the respective MPs," he explained.He further said that the decision was made in response to requests from MPs, not at the behest of the Government. "In the past, MPs did not even have Police security. The provision of Police security began after the 1971 uprising. Similarly, there were requests from MPs for enhanced safety due to certain recent situations in the country. That's the reason for this decision. It's not that we proactively decided to provide guns to MPs,"The repeater guns, which are to be possessed by MPs, can reportedly be chosen from three models. The MPs have however been prohibited from transferring the guns to any other party, and carrying them to Parliament and other crowded places.While there were recent media reports suggesting that several MPs have already requested for repeater guns, both the main Parliamentary opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-led National People's Power (NPP), also of the Parliamentary opposition, have stated that they wouldn't accept the offer.

Guns for MPs: Annual licence renewal depends on threat assessment 

<ul><li> Claims his comments were misinterpreted; blames RW for inciting racism</li><li> Thanks TNA MP Sumanthiran&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The Presidential candidate of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake called on independent Presidential candidate President Ranil Wickremesinghe to apologise to the people of the Northern Province following allegations from Wickremesinghe that Dissanayake has incited racism.Addressing the National Convention of the Inter Company Employees' Union (ICEU) yesterday (8), Dissanayake criticised recent comments made by President Wickremesinghe regarding his comments delivered while in Jaffna recently.Dissanayake responded to Wickremesinghe's allegations by stressing that his statements had been misinterpreted. He accused President Wickremesinghe of attempting to incite racial tensions during the election.&nbsp;Dissanayake expressed his gratitude towards Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran for providing a correct response to the President’s claims. “My speech has been misinterpreted. Ranil is attempting to incite racism in this election. I must be thankful to M.A. Sumanthiran for his accurate response to the President. I urge him (Wckremesinghe) to apologise now,” Dissanayake stated.The President had challenged Dissanayake to apologise to the Northern people, accusing him of exerting undue influence on them. Wickremesinghe also suggested that Dissanayake should apologise to both the Tamil people of the North and the people of the South for remarks made during a recent visit to the region.President Wickremesinghe has asserted that under his leadership, the people of the North will be fully protected by the law. The ongoing exchange highlights the heightened political tensions and differing views on ethnic relations in Sri Lanka as the election approaches.

Racial politics: AKD rejects Wickremesinghe’s allegations, calls for apology 

<ul><li> Close to 2500 complaints received thus far</li></ul>The Department of Police stated that they will investigate all complaints of election law violations, whether reported directly to the Police or through the Election Commission (EC), and take expeditious action.More than 2,500 complaints pertaining to the Presidential Election scheduled for 21 September have been received thus far.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), attorney Nihal Thalduwa said that the Police are investigating the complaints pertaining to election law violations, and taking action expeditiously. “We are receiving complaints both directly and through the EC. Most of the complaints that have been investigated are those received directly. The relevant Police stations are investigating those complaints and initiate the necessary action,”Between 31 July and 6 September, the EC has received a total of 2,644 election-related complaints. Among those, 2,571 were related to violations of election laws, 11 were acts of violence, and 62 fell under other categories. In addition to the EC, election monitoring organisations such as the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) have also reported receiving related complaints.Commenting on the nature of the complaints received by the EC on an earlier occasion, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that most of the complaints are about appointments and transfers within the public service. “There is a very small number of complaints concerning election-related violence and poster campaigns. In addition, there are also requests seeking our permission to implement certain programmes. We look into them and do the needful immediately upon their receipt.” he said.

Election regulator: Police to probe all complaints given to EC and them 

<ul><li> Says Wickremesinghe has vision and capacity</li></ul>Former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Thalatha Athukorala who recently resigned from her parliamentary seat, pledged her support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (8), for his candidacy in the upcoming Presidential Election.&nbsp;Athukorala made her public announcement yesterday (8) at a rally held in Welimada, it is worth noting that Athukorala first indicated her intentions to return to the United National Party (UNP) and support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election in an interview with The Sunday Morning two weeks ago.Speaking at the rally, the former Minister expressed her confidence in President Wickremesinghe’s ability to lead the country through its current challenges. She highlighted his leadership experience and commitment to the nation, stating that he was the only candidate capable of steering Sri Lanka out of its difficulties. “I was in politics for 20 years — 16 years with Ranil Wickremesinghe and 4 years with Sajith Premadasa. So I do not need explanations on them," Athukorala said.&nbsp;She elaborated: "An Executive President was ousted from power by a massive people's movement. He ran away from the party. No one was there to take responsibility. But Wickremesinghe was the only person who came forward to take up responsibility at this difficult time, as he has done in the past."Athukorala emphasised that President Wickremesinghe's leadership during a period of national crisis demonstrated his strength and determination. She further stated that, unlike other candidates, Wickremesinghe has the vision and capability required to lead the country through its hardships.“I will be working to ensure the President’s victory at the next Presidential Election because he is the only person with the ability to run the country during these tough times, and a leader with a clear vision for Sri Lanka,” she affirmed.Athukorala’s endorsement marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as she had previously been aligned with the SJB supporting the Presidential campaign of SJB and Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

Crossover politics: Only Ranil can steer SL to safety: Thalatha

<ul><li>EC says those who refuse to remove will be prosecuted</li></ul>Three wheel drivers unions yesterday (8) threatened to defy orders to remove any political stickers or slogans from their vehicles amidst regulations against political display and warnings from the Police.This as the Police and the Elections Commission assert that those who are in breach of election laws will be dealt with according to the law.&nbsp;“I will not remove any flags or stickers from my vehicle even if they throw me in jail,” President of the All Island Three Wheeler Driver’s Union, Lalith Dharmasekara, told The Daily Morning on Thursday (5). “I will be very happy to go to jail for our President Ranil Wickremesinghe.”Dharmasekara said that several three-wheel drivers have not removed their posters and stickers and are reluctant to do so, despite election laws and police warnings. Despite warnings issued by the Elections Commission, many three-wheelers are seen sporting stickers that promote political parties and their candidates in and around Colombo.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have a right to express ourselves freely and support the candidate of our choice,” Dharmasekara said.However, the Election Commission declared that those who do not remove any political posters or stickers would be detained by the Police and prosecuted.“The election law has mandated that they refrain from promoting candidates through these political stickers and banners,” Commissioner General of the Election Commission, Saman Sri Ratnayke, said.&nbsp; “If they do not comply the Police will detain them, produce them before court and punishment, which will most likely be a fine, will be given.”Section 74 of the Presidential Elections Act 1981 states that the punishment of promoting political agendas using banners, flags or stickers is a fine of hundred rupees and/or imprisonment for up to a month.When contacted by The Daily Morning, the Sri Lanka Police said that three-wheeler drivers who refuse to remove their stickers will be arrested and charged under the Presidential Elections Act."They cannot refuse to remove their stickers," Police Media Spokesperson DIG Nihal Thalduwa said. "If they do, we will arrest them."The Police warned private citizens to abstain from using political stickers and to remove any banners or stickers from vehicles saying that removal of stickers by the Police may result in damage to the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Four three-wheel drivers’ unions, including the All Island Three Wheel Drivers Union, have declared their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Dharmasekara said several tuk drivers have political stickers showing their support. Other three-wheeler unions, and smaller regional collectives have been seen using their vehicles as a canvas to support other candidates, including Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the last month.

Political advertising: Tuk Tuks that defy election laws at risk of arrest 

<ul><li> Prisons Dept. seeks to defer mechanism till next election cycle</li></ul>Authorities are yet to establish a functional mechanism to facilitate prisoners to cast their vote, despite the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the Election Commission (EC), the Department of Prisons, and others discussing the process and possible measures, it is learnt.&nbsp;Meanwhile, it is learnt that due to the time constraints and a myriad of challenges faced, the Prisons department has sought to defer the mechanism till the next election cycle.Last week, the HRCSL held a meeting with relevant authorities to discuss the practical obstacles to enabling eligible prisoners to vote. According to a statement issued by the HRCSL, key challenges identified include logistical constraints, security issues, and ensuring transparency in the voting process within prison facilities.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (8) a senior official from the Prisons Department indicated that no final agreement had been reached regarding the specific mechanisms for prisoner voting. The official noted that the Prisons Department had participated in the meeting as a stakeholder and suggested that the implementation of a voting mechanism for prisoners might be deferred until the next election cycle.However, the Election Commission has previously stated that it does not oppose the establishment of a system by the Department of Prisons to allow eligible prisoners to vote in the upcoming election. The department recently remarked that without a court order or specific directives from institutions such as the EC, no prisoners will be able to cast their votes. EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told The Daily Morning earlier that the commission had proposed an advanced voting system and the creation of polling centres within prison complexes to facilitate prisoner voting. Nonetheless, these proposals were not passed in Parliament.The HRCSL spokesperson was unavailable for comment on the current status of the initiative.

Voting rights: No relief in sight for eligible prisoners 

Medical professionals recently pointed out an increase in the amount of children who have vitamin D deficiencies in Sri Lanka which has led to concern from government hospitals, it is learnt.“We get a large number of children who have severe vitamin D deficiency,” Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Deepal Perera told The Daily Morning. “This is mainly caused because despite being a tropical country, an increasing number of children do not get enough sunlight.”Perera said that addiction to the internet and social media as well as an increased competition to get the best grades has decreased children getting exposure to the outdoors and sunlight.“Children are increasingly being asked to not play but study for the whole day,” Perera said. “And then they are taken to hospital because they feel unwell and are suffering from some form of malnourishment.”Perera cited vitamin D deficiency as a contributory cause for malnourishment of children and recommended that children be allowed to engage in activity in the sun and consume foods such as fish, egg yolk and healthy fats.“Parents should limit their child’s screen time and allow them to play outdoors,” Perera said.The Epidemiology Unit recommends a daily exposure to sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to produce vitamin D.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the National Health Service (NHS) a lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, a condition that affects bone development and causes bone pain, in children. Children aged 1-4 are more likely to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency than any other age group.According to the Epidemiology Unit, 13.2% of children aged 10-18, suffered from Vitamin D deficiency with 58.8% of Sri Lankan adults suffering from the deficiency.&nbsp;

Vitamin D deficiency: Increasing among children 

All&nbsp; candidates for the Presidential Election were yesterday (8) urged to take part in another&nbsp; public discussion planned by a group of civil society organisations (CSO) to be held next week, The Daily Morning learns.Organised by civil society organisations, the discussion is slated to be held on 17 September at the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) in Borella. According to the organisers, the discussion is intended to provide a platform where the public can directly question Presidential candidates’ policies and plans.Citizens of the People’s Struggle organisation’s General Secretary Chanaka Bandara told The Daily Morning that in a context where many issues raised through the ‘Aragalaya’ public movement in 2022 are yet to be addressed, Presidential candidates should publicly state their stance with regard to the changes demanded by the people. Noting that the people have a right to know and discuss Presidential candidates’ plans for the country, he said that all individuals who have handed over nominations for the forthcoming Presidential Election are invited for the discussion.According to the organisation, several leading Presidential candidates and their parties have already been invited for the discussion.Earlier, two Presidential candidates’ debates or discussions had been organised by two media institutions. However, they did not bear fruit, as only one or two candidates turned up.

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