President assures free and fair poll

In an Address to the Nation telecast last night, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said all measures are in place to conduct a free and fair election.

President Kumaratunga said she had directed the law enforcement authorities to take stern action against those who violate election laws.

The President said: "I decided to address you at this decisive moment when you are about to elect the Fifth Executive President, to stress the need to conduct the poll in a fair and an impartial manner.

It is the people's supreme right to have an election free of irregularities and malpractices. I request all elections officers, Security Forces personnel and police personnel to take steps to conduct this election in a democratic, free and dignified manner without bowing down to any pressure, protecting the dignity of their service.

I also urge all Sri Lanka Freedom Party supporters to participate in this election without engaging in any violent and unlawful activity. I recall that except for one provincial council election, all the elections held during my 11-year tenure were free and fair.

You are well aware that free elections, the foundation of the people's supremacy, were firmly entrenched only after 1994, completely changing the election culture bedeviled with irregularities and malpractices. After decades of experiencing curfews following elections, we were able to create a situation where post-election days were conducive to normal day-to-day work. In fact, no curfew was imposed following the 2004 General Election.

The Government has made all arrangements to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. The Security Forces and the Police have been given all instructions in this regard.

I have directed police to take stern action against those who violate polls laws. In terms of the responsibilities entrusted in me as Head of State and Defence Minister, I have taken all measures to conduct a free and fair election and I seek the support of all party leaders, members and the public in this endeavour."