Election Commission (EC) Chairperson R M A L Rathnayake said that the Commission had informed the relevant authorities to submit reports on the progress of court cases filed in each District against candidates and political parties accused of failing to submit campaign finance reports within the stipulated deadline.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said that the EC had requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide a report on the current status of the cases pending across the country. The Commission has specifically sought updates on the progress of the legal proceedings in each District.

In addition, he said that the EC had also instructed District Election Officers to coordinate with the Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) responsible for their respective Districts and submit reports on the status of the cases currently before the courts.

Rathnayake said that the Commission expected to receive those reports by next month.

The move comes after several political party secretaries and election candidates facing legal action requested that the cases against them be withdrawn or that a general amnesty be granted. However, Rathnayake, on an earlier occasion, said that the EC had no authority to do so, as the cases had been instituted under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, No. 03 of 2023.

Court cases have already been filed in almost every District against Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government election candidates, as well as recognised political parties and independent groups, that failed to submit their campaign finance reports within the legally prescribed period. 

Under the Act, all recognised political parties, independent groups, and candidates contesting Presidential, Parliamentary, Provincial Council, and Local Government Elections are required to submit detailed campaign expenditure reports, including information on funding sources, within 21 days of the conclusion of an election.