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Independent Committee to probe LG poll incidents

by our Parliamentary correspondents

The Government will appoint an independent committee to look into the incidents that took place at the recently concluded Local Government election.

Speaking at the budget debate in Parliament yesterday, Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya said that this committee will be fully independent as well as impartial one.

The Minister also revealed that the names of the committee members will be announced by the Prime Minister within the next few days.

The committee will comprise a retired Supreme Court judge, representative from the PAFFREL, representative from the CMEV, representative from the OPA and another representing the Leader of the Opposition.

The Committee will be a high powered one, Minister Jayasuriya said adding that the Prime Minister should be commended for the responsible and impartial manner in which he had moved in this matter.

Minister Jayasuriya also said that although it was the UNP supporters who suffered at this recent election, the Prime Minister had agreed to the Opposition Leader's request to look into the incidents that took place during the election.

The government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is committed to ensure a free choice of the voters through free and fair elections Minister Jayasuriya said.

There had been complaints of irregularities during the just concluded elections. The Prime Minister has given an undertaking to the Leader of the Opposition that action would be taken where there had been violations.

He said the Prime Minister had left strict instructions with the police and officials to ensure a free and fair election.

"The Premier was specific that no room should be left for violence and that the climate should be created for all voters to exercise their franchise, according to their conscience.

Minister Jayasuriya recalled the party's agitation for the restoration of democracy and fundamental freedom of the people.

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