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| Friday, 9 April 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| Stop post polls violence - appeal by Presidential Advisory Council The Council which met under the Chairmanship of Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratane Nayake Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya noted that there had been several incidents of post election violence in several areas and workplaces and appealed to all political parties, trade union leaders, the IGP and the Police to take immediate action to prevent such violence. The Council also stressed the need for the police to take firm action against offenders who attempt to create such violence. The other members of the Council present were Ven. Prof. Medagoda Sumanatissa Nayake Thera, Chancellor of University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Archbishop of Colombo Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Bramasiri S. Kuhanantha Sarma, Chief Priest of Pilleyar Kovil, Chunnakam, Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne, Chairman of Sarvodaya Movement, Mr. Godfrey Goonatilleke, Deputy Chairman Marga Institute Dr. L. J. Mendis, Director, Concerned Professional's Forum and Mr. Kingsley Rodrigo, Chairman PAFFREL and M. N. Junaid, Secretary Ministry of Internal Security (Convenor). The Council was unanimous of the view that the General Election held on April 2nd 2004 was conducted in a free and fair manner recording the least number of violence and malpractices than reported in previous elections. The Council commended the Commissioner of Elections and his staff, the IGP and the Police Department, the Police Commission and other organizations including election monitors in ensuring that the election was conducted in a peaceful manner without disorganizing civil life. Though there were a few incidents reported, the Council expressed its satisfaction in the manner the political parties have conducted themselves. The Council however noted that during the two days after the election several incidents had been reported with supporters of some political parties harassing others. In certain workplaces too several incidents have been reported where employees have been harassed and unrest created. The Council has appealed to all leaders of political parties to prevail on their supporters to desist from such action so as not to spoil the honour and dignity accrued by the country in conducting the election in an exemplary manner. |
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