Final Report on Election Related Violence

Provincial Council Election

Sabaragamuwa & North Central

2008

CENTRE FOR MONITORING ELECTION VIOLENCE [CMEV]

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV i

All rights reserved

(C) Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV)

Material from this Publication may be used with due acknowledgement given to CMEV

ISBN: 978-955-1655-54-9

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Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) 24/2, 28th Lane, Flower Road, Colombo - 7, Sri Lanka.

Tel : + 94 11 2565304, 2565306 Fax : +94 11 4714460 E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org September 2008

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CONTENTS Page No Executive Summary 01 Introduction 02 Background 02 Methodology 03 Campaign 03 Election Day 04 Post- Election Violence 05 Observations and Recommendations 05 Summarized Audit Report 07 Annexure 1. Election Day Incidents Summary 11 2. Post- Election Incidents Report 32 3. No. of voters deprived for lack of required identification 34 Media Communiqués 1 13th August 2008 44 2 20th August 2008 48 3 21st August 2008 51 4 22nd August 2008 56 5 23rd August 2008 58 6 23rd August 2008 61 7 23rd August 2008 62 Tables Pre – Election Summary Alleged Perpetrators of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008 73 Offences Report (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008 74

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Category of Offences Carried Out by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008 75

Tabulations of Party Affiliations of Perpetrators and Complainants Date: 22/08/2008 76

Category of Offences Complained of by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008 77

Complainants of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008 78

Election Day

Alleged Perpetrators of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008 80

Offences Report (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008 81

Category of Offences Carried Out by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008 82

Alleged Offences - Election Related Date: 23/08/2008 83

Geographic Spread of Offences - Election Related Date: 23/08/2008 84

Tabulations of Party Affiliations of Perpetrators and Complainants Date: 23/08/2008 85

Graphs

1. Total Number Of Incidents By Type (239) 87

2. Incidents By District 87

3. Incidents By District 88

4. Alleged Perpetrators Of Violence 88

Acknowledgements 89

Photographs 90,91

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In these elections, the highest number of complaints related to the disenfranchisement of voters on account of the The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) lack of proper identity documents. This was also the case in th commenced its monitoring of the Provincial Council Elections the Eastern Provincial Council Election held on 10 May 2008. in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces on 8th In its report on that election, CMEV highlighted the problem August 2008. CMEV monitoring focused on the incidence of and the importance of taking steps to rectify it. The problem electoral violence and malpractice throughout the campaign however has persisted. Another such issue is that of the and on Polling Day. CMEV monitoring has always been misuse of public resources. This has become a common conducted in the belief that it contributes to the making of feature of elections held in Sri Lanka and is yet another informed choices by the voter and is organized accordingly. reinforcement of the argument consistently advanced by Monitors in the field send information for further CMEV regarding the urgency and pivotal importance of the corroboration to the CMEV Secretariat in Colombo, which in full implementation of the Seventeenth Amendment. CMEV turn releases reports to the media. believes that this, through the establishment of independent commissions for the Police, Public Service and Elections In the elections to the two Provincial Councils there was amongst others, is absolutely necessary for protecting the a decrease in the number and nature of incidents on Election integrity of the electoral process. Day, although there were a considerable number of incidents reported during the campaign, thereby vitiating the freeness and fairness of the polls.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 1

Introduction 2008 that the dissolution of the two Councils was The Provincial Councils Elections for the Sabaragamuwa constitutional. and North Central (NCP) Provinces were held on 23rd August 2008. They were won by the UPFA which polled 56.37% of the The elections were conducted against the background of votes in the NCP and 55.34% of the votes in the the war against the LTTE. The ruling UPFA coalition stressed Sabaragamuwa Province. Consequently the UPFA obtained the importance of this, of the military campaign being at a 20 of the 33 seats in the North Central Provincial Council, the crucial stage and of receiving a renewed mandate to bring the UNP 12 and the JVP, 01. In Sabaragamuwa, the UPFA war to a successful conclusion. The UNP opposition on the obtained 25, the UNP 17 seats and the JVP 02 seats, despite other hand focused on the economy and on provincial issues. the JVP vote constituting only 2.23% of the total polled. Voter turn out in both provinces was 65%. A notable feature of the The presence of armed cadres of the Tamil Makkal results in the two provinces was that the leading opposition Viludalei Puliham (TMVP) in the NCP, despite the UNP candidates and nominees for the post of Chief Minister organization’s entry into mainstream politics raised doubts obtained the highest number of preferences overall. Major with regard to the Election Secretariat’s assurance that every General Janaka Perera obtained 116,430 preferential votes in possible step would be taken to ensure a free and fair election. the NCP and Ranjan Ramanayake, 130,258 votes in the Whilst the incidents of violence in which the TMVP was Sabaragamuwa Province. involved, was considerable it was nevertheless much less than expected. The 02 Provincial Councils were dissolved on 09th June 2008 before their respective terms expired. The reason for the The election was also fought in the aftermath of the dissolution advanced by the Governors of the respective breakup of the JVP into two factions and subsequent Provinces was that the Councils were unable to function or infighting between them. carry out programmes because of a lack of a clear legislative majority in support of the executive. The United National Over 36,000 government officials were engaged in the Party (UNP) took the issue of the dissolution to the Supreme process of conducting elections. The Election Commissioner Court, which declared in a judgment delivered on 20 June officially authorized the fielding of monitoring teams

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 2 throughout the campaign and on the Election Day by CMEV created for this purpose, one marked the locations of incidents and PAFFREL. during the campaign, while the other marked the incidents on Elections Day. CMEV’s Google Maps of the NCP and Methodology Sabaragamuwa provinces are accessible at – http://cmev.wordpress.com.

Throughout the campaign period, CMEV deployed 28 monitors to the electoral divisions of the two provinces. On Campaign Election Day, CMEV deployed 425 day monitors, including 167 day monitors in mobile teams particularly in the areas During the campaign, CMEV recorded a cumulative identified to be prone to violence. Out of the total number of total of 239 incidents of which 117 have been classified as 758 Polling Stations in NCP, 288 in the Anuradhapura district Major and 122 as Minor. Despite a relatively lower level of and 113 in the Polonnaruwa district were monitored by incidents of election related violence throughout the CMEV, whilst a further 306 in the Ratnapura district and 259 campaign period in both provinces, the end of the campaign in the Kegalle district were monitored out of the 1011 Polling in the NCP was marked by 09 Major incidents of violence. Stations in the Sabaragamuwa Province. This amounted to a 54.6% of the total number of Polling Stations in the two In the context of an election, the media plays a provinces. significant role. The media is indispensable in ensuring that voters make informed choices at elections, underscoring the CMEV also monitored the Postal Vote which was held importance of the accuracy and impartiality of reportage. on 7th and 8th August 2008 at 941 Polling Centres in both provinces. CMEV monitors observed the vote in 136 Polling Accordingly, the Election Commissioner issued a list of Centres. ethical standards to be adhered to by the media. Adherence however was problematic. The instrument of Google Maps to plot incidents of The following observations were recorded in respect of violence was also used by the CMEV. Of the two maps the role played by the media in the election campaign from

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08/08/08 to 21/08/08. With regard to the print media, a and guidelines for reportage of elections, as well. (Reference: conspicuous bias towards the UPFA was evident in the The comprehensive report on the observations on media coverage “Dinamina”, the State Sinhala print media daily. While 43% of by the Media Unit – CPA) its news reporting was favourable to the UPFA, only 0.39% was unfavorable. “Lankadeepa” and “Lakbima”gave primacy Election Day to the reporting of election related violence in comparison to the other newspapers. The state controlled English language “Daily News”, similar to “Dinamina” exhibited extreme bias On Election Day, CMEV received 56 complaints of election toward the UPFA. The “Daily News” devoted only 2% of its violence. However, major incidents of physical violence were news reporting to election related violence whilst the not reported on Election Day. The majority of complaints privately owned “Daily Mirror” and “The Island” gave more received by CMEV related to the disenfranchisement of voters coverage to the violence. due to the lack of proper identification documents.

With regard to the electronic media, the state run “Sri The Election Secretariat informed the public that in addition Lanka Rupavahini Corp.” demonstrated clear bias toward the to the National Identity Card (NIC), voters could produce ruling coalition to the extent that it did not telecast any news passports, postal NICs, driving licenses and railway season that could be classified as “favorable” to the opposition. Even tickets. Temporary identification documents authorized by its reporting of development programmes were aimed at the Divisional Secretariats, Bhikku NICs and Senior Citizen promoting the ruling coalition. The privately owned “Sirasa NICs issued by the Social Services Department were also to be TV” on the other hand, demonstrated a bias toward the UNP considered as valid documentation for voter identification and did not highlight government development programmes. purposes.

Media monitoring during elections underscores the need In most of the recorded cases, voters had produced for the appointment of a Competent Authority to oversee the photographs signed by the Grama Sevaka. Assistant Election State media. Furthermore, measures should be taken to Commissioner, Mahinda Deshapriya observed that the encourage private media to observe international standards Elections Secretariat had instructed all Assistant Returning

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Officers (ARO) and SPOs at Polling Stations not to allow any CMEV believes that: person to vote who did not present an authorized identity 1. The public must be enlightened on the procedures document. As a consequence, a large number of voters were agreed upon with regard to Voter Identity and the deprived of their right to vote, recognized under Article 14(1) required documentation. IDs required for voting must (g) of the Constitution – the right to freedom of speech and be such that they cannot be easily forged. The high expression including publication. (Refer pg. for the incidents percentage of voters who were disenfranchised relating to identity reported on the Election Day.) suggests that there was ignorance on the part of the public regarding the identification documents on the The decision of the Commissioner of Elections to deploy one hand and on the other, the inefficiency and the the Army as well as the reinforcement of the Police presence irresponsibility of the Government officials, in the more violence prone areas contributed to the particularly on the part of the Divisional Secretariat. diminution of major incidents of violence. In addition, the Most of the Plantation Tamil community relied on the media, specially the private media continuously highlighted temporary IDs authorized by the Grama Sevaka but the election related violence which kept the public alert. ultimately found that they could not exercise their vote without the ID authorized by the Divisional Secretariat. Post-election violence 2. Misuse of State resources was a predominant feature in the campaign of UPFA. Steps should be taken to Although there was the apprehension that a tense guarantee that the State resources are not used by the environment would prevail in the post- election period as governing party for electioneering purposes. evidenced in the previous elections, this was not the case in the immediate aftermath of these elections. Six (06) incidents 3. The Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution of post- election violence were recorded. (Refer pg. for the Post- heralded as a measure taken to strengthen the election incidents summary.) framework for good governance through the Observations and recommendations establishment of the independent commissions must be implemented. This entails the appointment of members Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 5 to the Constitutional Council and the establishment of 4. Media bias has become a recurrent feature in elections independent commissions for the Police, Elections and whether they are at the national level, provincial level the Public Service amongst others. By facilitating the or the local level. The provisions the Seventeenth independence of the officials and agencies of the State Amendment which empowers the Election commission charged with responsibilities in the conduct of or the Commissioner to appoint a Competent elections, the establishment of the commissions will go Authority in respect of State media must be utilized to a long way in ensuring the integrity of the electoral deal with media bias. process.

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Summarized Audit Report

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Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 8

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 9

Annexure

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1. Election Day Incidents Summary

Province Electoral Total No. No. of No. of No. of No. of Incidents in Summary Division of votes Polling Polling Polling registered polled Centres Centres Centres voters [Rejected] Visited In which incidents were Reported NCP Anuradhapura 569,417 382,677 527 288 25 Anuradhapura East electorate (17,900) No. 06 Mahanelubewa Vidyalaya- The campaign posters of UPFA and UNP were seen near the Polling Station.

Anuradhapura West electorate No. 28 Sumanagala Vidyalaya, Galadivulewa- At 9.55am, a farmer named R.M Ratnayake was not allowed to vote as the SPO informed him that his vote had already been cast. He was told that his vote had been cast via a postal vote by an army officer of the same name. The application to file this vote was made by Maj. Gen. M.J.K Jayapriya, commander of the Kavachikkuda army camp.

Horowpathana electorate No. 06 A/Mukkarawewa Vidyalaya

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Polling Station- At 7.40am, UNP polling agents were chased away from the Polling Station by the Horowpathana Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, A.R.M Hussein. The incident was reported to CMEV by UNP leader P. Saheel.

No.48 Preaching Hall of Vishuddarama Viharaya, Dutuwewa- Small campaign leaflets of candidate no. 17 of UNP were seen on the road near the Polling Station.

Kalawewa electorate No 11, Gemunupura, Preaching Hall of Wijayaramaya Viharaya, Tract II Polling Station- At about 10.00am, a UPFA Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha representative Prabath Vithana threatened a UNP supporter named P. Sampath Ravindra, telling him not to vote and to go home.

It was reported to CMEV that small campaign leaflets of Bertie Premalal Dissanyake had been dispersed near Ihalawewa Junction, Thalawa Road in the Kalawewa electorate at about 11.00am. Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 12

An identified group of people, who had come in a green and white van, damaged the house of JVP candidate no. 18 Dhammika Jayawardene for North Central Provincial Council in Kalawewa at about 1.00pm. They also assaulted the father of the candidate and destroyed 5 window panes, 6 plastic chairs and 1 stool. The injured were admitted to hospital.

No. 76 Preaching Hall of Sri Walukarama Viharaya- JVP candidate Dhammika Jayawardene for North Central Provincial Council complained to CMEV that when he was coming back from the Polling Station at around 12.10pm, he had been followed by a convoy of vehicles. Afterwards, one of those persons who were in the van threatened and intimidated him by pointing a T56 to his head. He recalled seeing a photograph of Bertie Premalal Dissanayake, UPFA Chief Minister candidate pasted on the van.

No. 45 A/ Thambuththegama Primary School- Gammini Jayawickrama Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 13

Perera MP for UNP complained to CMEV that Sahan Amarasekera of UPFA has threatened and chased away UNP supporters from the Polling Station at about 8.00am.

Kekirawa electorate No. 13 Olambawa Community Hall- Prabath Weerasinghe, the son of the UPFA candidate G. Weerasinghe , had gone inside the Polling Station and threatened to kill National People's Party polling agent, Senaka Nandana about 11.30 am. At the same Polling Station, Prabath Weerasinghe and his supporters have also damaged the vehicle of Priyaranjana Rathnayake, a National People's Party candidate.

No. 56 Palagala M.V. - “Candidate No. 05 of UPFA- M.S. Ranjith” was written on the road in front of the Polling Station.

No. 48 Kaluarachchiyagama Vidyala ya- Candidate No. 22, 19, 25 of UPFA were written on the road in front of the Polling Station.

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No. 47 Adiyagala Navodya Vidyalaya- Some candidate numbers of UPFA were written on the road within 20 metres of the Polling Station.

No. 45 Maneruwa Vidyalaya- At about 6.30am, a UNP supporter has threatened a UPFA supporter not to come to vote while he was on his way to the Polling Station.

Medawachchiya electorate No. 50 Kidavaramkulam Vidyalaya- UPFA candidate Udaya Nalin Wijeyaratne and Bertie Premalal Dissanayake have been seen distributing small cards bearing their names and candidate numbers to voters. This incident occurred around 10am within 200 metres of the Polling Station.

No. 47 A/ Thammenna Elawaka Vidyalaya- “Bertie Premalal Dissanayke dinawamu” (Vote for Bertie Premalal Dissanayke) written in chalk on the main road.

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No. 48 A/ Puleliya Vidyalaya- “Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna Dinawamu” (Vote for JVP) – written in chalk on the main road.

No. 50 Kidawarankulama Vidyalaya- Small campaign cards of UPFA candidates were seen on the ground within 300 metres of the Polling Station.

Mihinthale electorate No. 42 Ganthiriyagama M.V- At 10.40, the UNP candidate no. 24, H.M Prasanna Sugath Herath had transported voters to Polling Stations. He has used a white coloured Tipper vehicle bearing license plate 48-5961 for this purpose.

No.42 Ganthiriyagama M.V- At 10.40am, CMEV stationary monitor Rupasinghe was denied entry to a Polling Station by the SPO. After speaking with the police, and a further delay of 15 minutes, Mr. Rupesinghe was allowed inside.

No. 42 Ganthiriyagama M.V.- The campaign leaflets of candidate no. 13 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 16

of UNP were dispersed on the road by a red Dolphin van near the Polling Station. Polonnaruwa 277,056 190,845 231 113 18 Polonnaruwa electorate (10,182) No. 10 Nuwaragala Pihitiwewa M.V Polling Station- Mr. Henrik Appuhamy, a former UNP PS representative, complained to CMEV that the Chairman of the Dehiyattiyakanda PS and Upali Rajakaruna, representative of the Dimbulagala PS was seen travelling around the town area intimidating UNP supporters and preventing them from voting.

No. 07 Aralanganwila Weeralanda Ruhunagama Kanishta Vidyalaya- UPFA supporters gathered in strength and have carted off JVP supporters to an office nearby. Here, they have threatened and intimidated the voters, telling them to vote for the UPFA instead.

No. 07 Aralanganwila Weeralanda Ruhunagama Kanishta Vidyalaya- Voters summoned to the Mahaweli Office in front of the Polling Station at about 10.00am where they have been Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 17

unduly influenced regarding the casting of their votes.

No. 83 Sarvodaya District Center in New Town Pollonnaruwa- UPFA candidate Peshala Jayaratne’s supporters distributed election related materials using a trishaw bearing number plate QC- 8870.

No. 63 Kadawathmaduwa Dharmapala Kanishata Vidyalaya- CMEV received a complaint from the UPFA that the SPO and his staff in this Polling Station are biased toward the UNP supporters. The complainant further mentioned that he had complained to G.A regarding this incident.

No. 107 Sewamuktha Kandaura Maha Viidyalya, Sewagama, Palugasdamana in Polonnaruwa electorate- Thushara Karunaratne of JVP complained to CMEV that Ananda Sarath Kumara, candidate no. 05 of UPFA had been dispersing campaign leaflets since 8am on Election Day.

N0. 45 Manampitiya Sinhala M.V. - Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 18

Campaign leaflets of UPFA candidate had been placed on the floor near the Polling Station.

No. 39 P/ Leelaratne Wijesighe M.V. Hall No. 01- Campaign leaflets of all parties were seen dispersed on the road at around 6.30am.

No.40 P/ Dimbulagala Wijesingha M.V. Hall no. 02- Small campaign leaflets of UPFA and UNP were prominently displayed around the Polling Station.

No. 81 Kalahagala Kanishata Vidyalaya- Jayantha Ransinghe of UNP complained to CMEV that certain officers in the Mahaweli Authority have prevented the voters from exercising their franchise.

Medirigiriya electorate No. 33 Palliyagodella Muslim Kanishta Vidyalaya- Mr. Thushara Karunaratne of JVP reported to CMEV monitor that the supporters of Mangala Master of UPFA, armed with guns, chased away the people who came to vote at about 06.30am. Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 19

No. 04 Paluwaddana Grama Maranadhara Samithi Shalawa, Paluwaddana, Divulankadawala- Around 10.45am, some UPFA supporters who have gathered in front of the Polling Station have pleaded the voters to vote for UPFA.

Minneriya electorate R.K. Indrananda, the Group Leader of JVP in Polonnaruwa complained to CMEV about fraudulent voting by a person named K. P. Kumarasiri who had voted in two Polling Stations namely, No. 33 Girithale Dharma Wijayarama Viharasthanaye Dharma Shalawa Polling Station and No.35 Girithale Janapada Kanishta Vidyalaya.

No. 07 Bakamuma Mahasen Madya Maha Vidyalaya- Lionel Samarasekara of JVP complained about the display of UPFA election posters and materials continuing on Election Day near the Polling Station.

Lionel Samrasekara of JVP Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 20

complained to CMEV that the decorations and cutouts have not been removed in the UPFA Party Offices in Girithale junction, Bakamuna, Polonnaruwa Pola junction and in Bendi wewa.

No. 04 Siyambalawa Kanishta Vidyalaya- Jayantha Ranasinghe of UNP complained that there was a fraud involved in the issue of ballot papers in this Polling Station in the afternoon. Ballot papers no. 551- 600 had not been issued. After issuing the ballot papers up to no.550 the ones starting from no. 601 had been issued.

No. 35 Girithale Janapada Kanishta Vidyalaya- S.K. Subasinghe MP of JVP complained that impersonation had taken place in this Polling Station in the afternoon. A person has used the GS certified Identity to vote in the name of a woman who had come from abroad.

No. 55 Hathamuna Junior School, Hingurakgoda- The supporters of Peshala Jayaratne, a UPFA candidate, had been pasting posters near the Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 21

Polling Station on the Election Day by a van bearing the Number 57-8049 at about 11.30am.

Sabaraga Rathnapura 713,205 497,013 540 306 08 Balangoda electorate muwa (25,769) No. 13 Balangoda CC M.V (Tamil) - Minister Jagath Pushpakumara and his supporters have snatched the polling cards of JVP supporters. They had also threatened the voters coming to the Polling Station.The polling card of Sisira Kumara, an active member of JVP had been snatched by the supporters of Jagath Pushpakumara MP of UPFA near the Polling Station at about 6.40am.

Kalawana electorate No. 17 and 19, R/ Udugala Vidyalaya and R/ Pimbura Vidyalaya respectively- UPFA candidate Lambert Bandara and his supporters had threatened and intimidated voters.

Kolonna electorate No. 71 Nedolakanda Vidyalaya- Posters bearing the numbers of two UPFA candidates were spotted within 500 metres of the Polling Station. The Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 22

two candidates concerned are UPFA candidates Ravindra Ranaveer aarachchi and Vijitha Punchihewa.

Rathnapura electorate No. 14 R/ Seevali M.V. - Posters and hoardings of candidates from all parties were seen prominently displayed.

No. 43 Eth-Oya Vidyalaya- Posters belonging to the UPFA candidate no. 2 and 21, UNP candidate no. 14 and JVP with campaign cards of candidate no. 2, 20 and 21 were prominently displayed in front of the Polling Station.

No. 20, 21, and 44 Sri Sumana M.V. Hall 01 and02, Muddduwa Sri Sumana Pirivena- Posters of candidate no. 5, 4, 22 of UNP and 9, 12, 21 of UPFA were displayed in this Polling Station. Campaign cards of candidate no. 15 of UNP and no. 2 of UPFA have also been handed out.

No. 10 Saddhammalankara Piriwena- Prior to the commencement of voting, Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 23

the Polling Station has been attacked with stones.

Kegalle 409,308 404,660 470 259 31 Aranayake electorate (21,528) No. 32 Elengipitiya Kanishta Vidyalaya- At about 7.40 am, there were campaign leaflets of Mr. Maheepala Herath, the UPFA Chief Minister candidate to be seen around the Polling Station.

Deraniyagala electorate No. 22 Deraniyagala Junior School - The leaflets bearing the details of candidate no. 22, Dushmantha Mithrapala of UPFA, have been spotted near the Polling Station.

No. 04 Basnagala M.V Polling Station - An obstruction of road access to the polling station had been engineered by cutting and placing of two trees on the road. Residents report hearing what sounded like shots the previous night and evidence of what appears to be a shattered windscreen has been found.

No. 46 Panawala M.V.- UPFA candidate no. 11, Neil Dias and Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 24

candidate no. 01, A. Ajith Shyaminda have been circling around the Polling Station by vehicles bearing the number plates, 252-1400 and LA 8142 respectively at about 02.00pm.

No. 09 Anhettigama M.V. - Campaign leaflets of UPFA were dispersed on the road.

No. 13 Nakkawita Junior School- Campaign leaflets of no. 16 and 21 were seen on the vicinity of the Polling Station.

No. 54 Welangalla Junior School - The details of candidate number 11 of UNP was displayed in a vehicle bearing the number 56-6042.

No. 45 Thalapitiya Primary School- The voters have been transported by the supporters of Ajith Shyaminda, candidate no. 1 of UPFA.

No. 05 Polgaswatte M.V.- The campaign leaflets of candidate no. 02 of UNP and candidate no. 08 of UPFA have been spotted near the Polling Station. It was also reported to CMEV Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 25

that the UNP voters have been threatened and intimidated by some unidentified persons.

Galigamuwa electorate No. 34 and 35 Galigamuwa Junior School and Palapoluwa Junior School respectively- CMEV monitor has been denied entry to the above Polling Stations by the SPO at around 7. 30am.

No. 46 Panakawa M.V- CMEV monitor has been denied entry to the Polling Station by the SPO.

Kegalle electorate No. 22 Beragala Junior School- The supporters of Mr. Imitias Cader, candidate No.05 of UPFA were travelling around the Polling Station, in a white Caravan bearing the no. 52- 1995, pasting posters, at about 7.00 am.

Nos.1, 3, 22, 26 In the Kegalle electorate, large numbers of leaflets and posters of Mahipala Herath (UPFA Candidate No 4) have been distributed in these Polling Stations namely, Kalugalle Rural Development Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 26

Society Hall, Puwakdeniya Junior School, Beragala Junior School, Paraga mmana Dharmapala Junior School.

Mawanella electorate No. 33 and 34 Sahira Muslim Madya Maha Vidyalaya Hall no. 01 and 02 Polling Stations- A brother of UNP candidate, Upul Bandara and a person named Roshan, have been assaulted by a group of people led by Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. The Minister and his retinue were in the vicinity of the Polling Station in the Mawanela electorate, threatening and intimidating UNP voters. They were travelling in 6 vehicles, none of which had licensed number plates.

No. 19 Maliadda Kanistha Vidhyalaya- A large number of voters was transported to the location by van bearing the number 250-7910 at around 9.35am.

No. 21 Udamakadawara Junior School Hall no.02- Campaign leaflets of Upali Jinadasa, UPFA candidate no. 07 were seen in the vicinity of the Polling Station. Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 27

No. 32 Menerigama Secondary Model Junior School- Campaign leaflets of Abdeen Hussain, UNP candidate no. 01 and Sandith Samarasinghe, UNP candidate no. 18 were spotted near the Polling Station.

No. 22 Madeena Muslim M.V, Ganethenna- Campaign leaflets of Abdeen Hussain, UNP candidate no. 01 were prominently displayed around the Polling Station.

No. 20 Udamakadawara Vidyalaya Hall No. 01- The posters of No 07 of UPFA have been prominently near the Polling Station.

No. 23 Ganethenna Vidyalaya Hall no. 02 and No. 24 Ganethenna Vidyalaya Hall no. 01- Campaign posters of candidate no.03- 14 of UPFA were spotted near the Polling Station.

Rambukkana electorate No. 27 Pinnawala Central College in Rambukkana- Supporters of Chief Minister candidate of UPFA in Sabaragamuwa Province, Maheepala Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 28

Herath have come in 7 vehicles and have attacked the cab bearing the number 56-2218 belonging to the JVP in front of the Polling Station at about 3.00pm.

No. 15 Walpola Junior School - A monitor connected to a network for Election Monitoring was assaulted by supporters of Mahipala Herath near the Polling Station, at about 3.30pm. The mob had used a T- 56 rifle to carry out their attack. The victim, Sampath Kumara, was admitted to the Kegalle Hospital.

No. 44 Ambuwanwela Vidyalaya- Campaign leaflets of UNP were dispersed on the road.

No. 45 Moragolla Community Hall- Campaign leaflets of UNP were dispersed on the road.

No. 03 School building of Kudagama Swarga Rohana Church - Campaign leaflets of candidate No. 14 of UPFA, Mahipala Herath was given to voters near the Polling Station.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 29

Ruwanwella electorate No. 38 Kananthota Suleimaniya Muslim Central College - At 9 .00 am, supporters of Nihal Farook (UNP) had been seen near the Polling Station telling voters to vote for Nihal Farook.

No. 43 Atulagama Mayadunna M. V. - Some UPFA supporters have threatened the voters that all the subsidies would be cut off unless they vote for UPFA.

No. 52 Dehiowita Buddhist Primary School- Small campaign leaflets of UNP and UPFA were given to voters near the Polling Station.

No. 38 Kannanthota Suleimaniya Muslim Central College- The supporters of UNP candidate Nihal Farook, have informed the voters as to the candidate number.

Yatiyanthota electorate No. 29 and 18 Wee-Oya Junior School and Malalpola M.V. respectively - Some unidentified persons who had come by Defender Jeeps have shot into air, where a majority of voters are Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 30

Estate Tamils. As a consequence of this, a large number of voters have turned back without casting their votes.

Some unidentified persons had come to the house of P. Baskaran of UNP in Yatiyantota at about 7.20am. They have shot at the house and fled.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 31

2. Post – election incidents report

Polling Division Electorate Incident

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa No. 92 Galthambarawa Kanishta Vidyalaya- A person named Podiweera of UPFA had attempted to assault a representative of JVP in Thamankaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha named Chandraratne. The alleged assailant has then lodged a complaint in Polonnaruwa Police whereby the person named Chandraratne has been arrested. It was also alleged that 50-60 supporters of UPFA led by the brother of Minister Maithreepala Sirisena named Chaminda assaulted 4 persons belonging to JVP including S.K. Subasingha MP of JVP. S.K. Subasingha sustained injuries to his head.

A bomb was thrown at the house of R.S.K. Deshapriya of UNP, situated in 253, Ihala Yakkure, Nuwaragala at about 9.30pm on 24th August 2008. Since there had been nobody in the house at the time of the incident, the party affiliation of the assailants could not be identified. Mr. Jayarathne Ranasinghe of UNP Office in Polonnaruwa confirmed this incident.

An unknown person threatened the JVP Office in Polnnaruwa in the morning on 24th August 2008. Mr. Kushan Siriwardene of JVP stated to CMEV that on being informed,thePolice provided security to the office from morning till the afternoon. R.M. Kalu Banda and R.M. Nihal Rathnayake of JVP were assaulted at the JVP Office in Aralaganwila. Ruwan Chaminda, a JVP member stated to CMEV that a group of 20 people were led by Dammika Nishantha Kumara, a UPFA representative of the Dimbulagala Pradeshiya Sabha. He further stated that a shop near the office was also damaged by this attack.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 32

The injured were admitted to Polonnaruwa hospital. When CMEV contacted the OIC of Aralaganwila Police Station, Mr. M. Waidyathilleke, he stated that there was no election complaint regarding this incident. However, he stated that there was a general complaint. He refused to provide further information regarding this incident.

Rathnapura Rathnapura Mr. Indunil Bandara of Rathnapura JVP Office complained that a person named Mahathun, an active member of JVP has been threatened by the supporters of Premalal Jayasekara at about 2.00pm on 24th august 2008.

Kegalle Rambukkana At 4.30pm on 24th August 2008, the JVP Office in Rambukkana was attacked by a mob. The door had been felled and some window panes damaged. Further, a cutout was set on fire. Mr. W.G. Ranjith, an active member of the JVP suspects that the assailants were the supporters of Maheepala Herath, the Chief Minister candidate of UPFA.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 33

3. No. of voters deprived for lack of required identification

Electoral Division Electorate Polling Station Polling Station No. of persons No. deprived of the right to vote

Anuradhapura Anuradhapura East 33 Deaf, Blind School, Anuradhapura 07

44 A/ St. Joseph College, Hall No. 01 20

42 A/ St. Joseph College, Hall No. 02 30

47 A/ K.B. Rathnayake Vidyalaya, Hall No. 02 21

46 A/ K.B. Rathnayake Vidyalaya, Hall No. 01 13

21 A/ Wijayapura Dammathilake M.V., Hall No. 02 09

31 A/ Deepani M.V. 12

19 Wannithammannawa 06 Nuwaragampalatha East PS Office, Wijayapura

36 A/ D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya, Hall No. 01 09

43 Anuradhapura MC Community Hall No.02 15

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 34

45 Community Hall Stage 01, Harishchandra 10 Mawatha,

30 Anuradhapura MC Community Hall No.01 06

41 Jayasiripura Community Hall 05

40 Pubudupura Community Hall 10

09 Rathmale Tissa M.V, Hall No. 01 15

35 Preaching Hall of Thilakarathnarama Viharaya 08

39 A/ D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya, Hall No. 02 17

Anuradhapura 04 A/ Adampane Sudarshana M.V 04 West 29 A/ Heambawewa Junior Secondary School 12

44 Oyamaduwa Maha Kanishta Vidyalaya 506

54 A/ Mahabulankulama Vidyalaya 08

75 Preaching Hall of Thapodarama Viharaya 30

17 Mudithagama Community Hall, 32 Nochchiyagama

25 Sarakkugala Vidyalaya 15

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 35

31 Dunupothagama Vidyalaya 15

24 Ihala Kedithokkuwa Vidyalaya 16

26 Ipalogama Vidyalaya 10

28 Sumangala Vidyalaya, Galadivulewa 07

29 Helambawewa Junior Secondary School 12

13 Halmillakulama Community Hall 30

27 Oththappuwa Vidyalaya 06

15 Vidyadarsha Central College 15

04 Adampane Sudarsha M.V. 04

10 Lindawewa Vidyalaya 05

19 Horuwila M.V. 40

14 Nochchiyagama Muslim Vidyalaya 25 Sinhala

02 Kakulbendidigiliya Viduhala 10

Horowpathana 10 A/ Morakewa Viduhala 100

07 A/ Moragahadigiliya Viduhala 25 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 36

31 Kohombagaskada Vidyalaya 50

Kalawewa 51 Thambuththegama Central College, Hall No. 02 12

57 Mudunegama Vidyalaya 25

72 Ranawirugama Community Hall, Pitiyeyaya 07

61 A/ Mahakumbukgollewa Vidyalaya 06

50 Kidawarakulama Vidyalaya 06

48 A/ Puleliya Vidyalaya 20

Medawachchiya 47 Thammenna Alawaka Vidyalaya 08

75 A/ Lindawewa Vidyalaya 15

46 A/ Pahala Rathmalgahawewa Vidyalaya 10

62 Katuwela Community Hall 40

35 Ambagahawewa Vidyalaya 50

56 A/ Viralmurippuwa Vidyalaya 03

53 A/ Periyakulama Vidyalaya 08

54 A/ Yakawewa Vidyalaya 06 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 37

34 Pihimbiyagollewa Vidyalaya 20

Polonnaruwa Minneriya 47 Nagalakanda M.V. Hall No. 01 01

34 Rajaelagama Samagi Praja Shalawa , 07 Bothalakara Wanguwa

62 Rajarata M.V. Hingurakgoada 17

Polonnaruwa 97 Polonnaruwa Muslim M.V. Kaduruwela, Hall 20 No. 01

48 Dalukana Prathamika Vidyalaya 70

84 Royal Central College (Primary Section), New 02 Town, Polonnaruwa

Rathnapura Rathnapura 38 R/ Kahanagama Bauddha Kanishta Vidyalaya 37

44 Mudduwa Sri Sumana Pirivena 40

09 R/ Batugedara M.V. 09

Rakwana 16 R/ Alpitiya Vidyalaya Hall No. 01 05

Pelmadulla 19 Rupa Aruna Piriven Vidyayathanaya, Hall No. 27 02

37 R/ Pathakada Kanishta Vidyalaya Hall No. 02 20 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 38

47 Marapana M.V. 17

Nivithigala 36 Haldola Vidyalaya 02

Eheliyagoda 07 Preaching Hall of Minnana Sri Muchalindarama 05

Kegalle Ruwanwella 31 Karawanella Sri Wickrama Kanishta Vidyalaya 150

41 Magammana Kanishta Vidyalaya 20

38 Kannanthota Suleimaniya Muslim Central 12 College

30 Humbaswalana Junior School 10

29 Mahalla Junior School 01

27 Preaching Hall of Ihala Morawatte Sri Wikrama 04 Rajasinghe Viharaya

13 Imbulana Sri Sena M.V. 06

09 Lewangama Sri sumanathissa Kanishta 07 Vidyalaya

11 Lewangama YMBA Hall 03

37 Niwunhella Junior School 08 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 39

36 Pethangoda Junior School 06

39 Gonaramba Government Carpentry School 04

47 Napawala Muslim M.V. 10

45 Napawala Dudley Senanayaka M.V. 20

20 Medagoda Junior School 12

32 Ruwanwella M.V. 60

33 Anguruwella PS Pre- School 03

24 Gonagala North Junior School 05

Galigamuwa 50 Batuwatte Junior School 30

Kegalle 28 Wathura Sri Lanka Junior School 23

31 Meedeniya Sri Sangabodi M.V. 20

12 Minuwangamuwa Junior School 13

30 Preaching Hall of Bullugahadeniya Sri 10 Vithanarama Viharaya

24 Hettimulla Bandaranayake M.V. 40 06 Deewala M.V. Hall No.01 11 Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 40

36 Eregama Junior School 21

37 Aturupana Rural Development Society Hall 14

40 Primary Building of Mabopitiya Central College 13

39 Mabopitiya Central College 16

23 Hettimulla Bandaranayake Junior School 05

07 Deewala M.V. Hall No. 02 25

30 Naranbedda Junior School 08

Rambukkana 29 Halpitiya Weaving Building 04

27 Pinnawala Central College 30

26 Hiriwadunna Junior School 03

23 Rambukkana Parakrama Junior School Hall 02 No.02

22 Rambukkana Parakrama Junior School Hall No. 10 01 10 Puwakmote Dharmapala M.V. 35

44 Ambuwangala Junior School 10

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 41

Mawanella 51 Nagaragiriya M.V 50

20 Udamakadawara Junior School Hall No.01 20

Aranayake 20 Thelleka Kanishta Vidyalaya 40

27 Dippitiya Rajagiri M.V. 70

Deraniyagala 42 Ambalanpitiya M.V. 02

36 Hinguralakaanda M.V. 15

Yatiyanthota 12 Panawatte Tamil M.V. 10

Dedigama 40 Dorawaka Siri Niwasa M.V. Hall No. 02 20

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 42

Media Communiqués

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 43

highest number of major incidents was recorded in the Anuradhapura District [19] followed by Ratnapura [13], Kegalle [09] and Polonnaruwa [13] respectively. Of the minor incidents logged by CMEV, Anuradhapura leads district-wise [19]. Apart from two attempted murders in the Ratnapura th 24/2, 28 Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. and Anuradhapura districts, the highest number of major Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org incidents in terms of assault and robbery were also recorded

in Anuradhapura district. This clearly indicates that in terms

North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial of overall incidents of election related violence it is the tensest Council Elections of the four districts. 13th August 2008 - Media Communiqué No 01 Of the incidents recorded so far, 52 complaints are against The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence [CMEV] has UPFA, 21 complaints are against UNP and 3 complaints are commenced its monitoring of the Provincial Council Elections against JVP. In 24 complaints the party affiliation of the in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. CMEV alleged perpetrators was not identified. The highest number has deployed 27 field monitors in the 27 polling divisions of of complaints was reported so far by JVP [37], followed by the two provinces and informed political parties, election UNP [29] and UPFA [28]. Of the number of complaints by the officials, police and the civil society of their presence. All JVP, 25 were against the UPFA and only 2 complaints against reports of election related violence and malpractice will be the UNP. sent to the CMEV Secretariat in Colombo for further corroboration before public release. CMEV notes that the level of violence across the campaign has steadily increased as the election draws nearer. Pre– A total of 101 incidents have been recorded by CMEV since election violence recorded by CMEV since the close of the close of nominations on the 4th July 2008 up to 11th nominations on 4th July is as follows: August 2008. Of these 54 have been classified as major incidents and the remaining 47 as minor incidents. The

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 44

Postal Votes Misuse of Public Property and Power A postal vote of upcoming elections was held on 7th and 8th August 2008 at 941 polling centres in both provinces, of which There is an increasing trend to misuse Public Property and CMEV monitors observed 136 polling centres. Apart from two resources during the election campaign. State owned major incidents reported in Kuruwita and Aralaganwila, buildings, telephones and vehicles are presently utilized for CMEV notes that the postal vote was held in a free and fair the election campaign. CMEV election monitors note that the manner in the polling divisions it monitored. election campaigns of former Chief Ministers are especially culpable in this regard. However, there were two major incidents reported from Kuruwita of Ratnapura District and from Aralaganwila of Mr. Berty Premalal Dissanayake, former Chief Minister and a Polonnaruwa district. In Kuruwita Police Station, 29 Police candidate for the office of Chief Minister in the North-Central officers were not given the opportunity to cast their postal Province flagrantly misuses all the facilities and State votes. They had not received ballot papers on time. When property (Provincial Council office, office related resources CMEV contacted the SPO of the Ratnapura District he said and 8 government vehicles) he had access to when he held that this was on account of a technical error. He went on to office as part of his election campaign for re-election. note that their right to vote could be met only through the Details of misusing items are as follows: allocation of their duty stations closer to their respective Office: Chief Ministers Office, Harischandra Mw. polling booths. The postal vote of the Agrarian Centre in [Dharmapala Mw.], Anuradhapura Aralaganwila, Polonnnaruwa was held before the scheduled Telephone/s: 025 – 2222409, 025 – 22224855, 025 - 2222045 date. The SPO Polonnaruwa in an interview with CMEV Vehicles : [NCP KB – 2682], [NCP KB – 5339], [64 – 7666], stated that the Primary investigation related to the incident [54 – 7305], [53 – 9380], was already complete and the report had been submitted to [32 – 6503], [65 – 6413] and [58 – 8333] the Commissioner of Elections. Final action would be taken in accordance with the Commissioner’s decision. CMEV field monitors reported an incident related to the unethical conduct of former Chief Minister of the

Sabaragamuwa Province vying for re-election, Mr. Maheepala Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 45

Herath. According to the CMEV field monitors records, Sabaragamuwa Province interviews for new admissions for a training course on jewellery production at the Gem and Jewellery Research and The highest number of incidents [53%] was recorded in the Ratnapura District. Of these incidents 7 were from the Training Institute was held on 5th August at Mr. Herath’s Kolonna electorate, 5 were from the Rakwana electorate and 3 private residence (“Rathnagiri”, Kegalle) with Mr. W. M. W. were from the Pelmadulla electorate. To date, 20 incidents Abeyrathne Bandara, a working Director of the Institute. were recorded from the Kegalle District. 10 incidents were Tellingly, an advertisement in the Lankadeepa newspaper on from the Kegalle electorate, 4 from Rambukkana, 3 from 4th August noted that the deadline for applications fell on 8th Mawanella electorate and 1 from Aranayake, Deraniyagala August. The Director used a double-cab bearing the and Dedigama respectively. registration number HP-4219 belonging to the Institute to visit On account of the grave nature of the offences, incidents that Mr. Herath’s residence to conduct these “interviews”. occurred up to the 10th of August 2008 are highlighted below. North Central Province Attempted Murder The highest election related malpractices [65%] of NCP were The attempted murder on 9th August of Mr. Lalith recorded from the Anuradhapura District. Within the hettiarachchi (an active member of the JVP) recorded from the Anuradhapura District, 23 incidents were recorded from Elheliyagoda electorate in the Ratnapura District was a key Kalaweva electorate, constituting 60% of recorded incidents. incident. He is presently recovering from a gunshot wound in There were 4 cases of assault, 1 case of hurt, 1 incident of Ward 72 at the National Hospital in Colombo. Mr. Chameera regarding the misuse of State property, 4 related to robbery, 3 Koswatte (Chief Ministerial candidate of JVP for the related to mischief and 11 on damage to property. The Sabaragamuwa Province) stated in an interview conducted by Polonnaruwa electorate recorded the highest number of CMEV that “the main purpose of this incident was politically incidents [65%] from the Polonnnaruwa District. Incidents motivated”. However when CMEV asked Avissawella Police included 1 assault, 2 related to robbery, 1 related to mischief, to comment on this incident, they were of the firm opinion 3 incidents of threatening behaviour and 2 regarding damage that it was not politically motivated. Inspector of Police K. to property. Upali Tillekaratne issued a statement that “this was

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 46 perpetrated by a gang habitually involved in crimes related to undergone surgery on 9th August and discharged on 11th “House Breaking by Night.” When CMEV spoke to the wife August. Major Gen. Janaka Perera lodged a complaint to the of the victim, Mrs. Singakkarage Siriyalatha, she too reiterated Anuradhapura police station on 9th August 2008 under EIB the attack on her husband was politically motivated. 191/62. When CMEV contacted Crime branch of the Police Headquarters in Anuradhapura, Police Sergeant Mr. The other incident was reported from the Anuradhapura – Jayaweera confirmed the lodging of this complaint and said East electorate on 9th August. A supporter of the United that investigations were in progress. National Party (UNP) Chief Minister Candidate Major General Janaka Perera was hospitalized with serious gunshot Hurt injuries from an unknown gang. The gang had shot at the The most notable incident in this category was recorded from vehicle [57 – 9757] the victim was travelling with other the Polonnaruwa electorate in the Polonnaruwa District in supporters. The firing took place around 2am close to the relation to a clash between two UPFA groups on the 7th of “Mahajana Pola”. Mr. Nuwan Sampath Jayasinghe was August near the 5th milepost of Medagama,Aralaganwila. As admitted to the Anuradhapura Base Hospital. Media a result of this clash, Mr. R.M. Punchibanda Ratnayake coordinator Major Dayarathne had directed the driver of (former Provincial Council member and UPFA candidate for vehicle to CMEV spokesmen. According to the driver, two the upcoming election) suffered grievous hurt on his left arm. vehicles were engaged in the attack - a cab and a Land Rover He is presently hospitalised in Ward 10 at the Government Defender. No further details of the vehicles were noted. The Hospital in Pollonnaruwa. owner of the vehicle, Mr. Kapila Muthugala also was in the vehicle. When CMEV contacted Mr. Muthugala, he In the interview conducted by CMEV, Mr. Ratnayake alleged mentioned and confirmed the driver’s statement and further that supporters of Mr. Saranelis Dayawanse (UPFA noted that both vehicles were green, but could not identify candidate) were the perpetrators of this incident. When registration number and the persons who were in them. CMEV contacted Mr. Dayawanse, he conceded that there was a clash between the two groups. When CMEV contacted a spokesman of the Anuradhapura Aralaganwila Police also stated that the two parties had hospital, he said that the victim, Sampath Jayasinghe (18), had settled their differences. Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 47

Use of Firearms During the pre-election period CMEV election monitors observe that incidents involving the use of firearms are 24/2, 28th Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. steadily increasing. 6% of incident logged bby CMEV to date Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 involved the use of firearms. E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org

CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Media Communiqué 02- Immediate release Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Augusst 20th, 2008 Coalition Agaainst Political Violence as an independent and non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election In the last 24 hours of the election campaign period of NCP related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM and Sabaragamuwa provincial Councils elections, there were and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. 9 grave incidents of election related violence reported to CMEV from Anuradapura district. CONTACT INFORMATION

Location Telephone Numbers Fax Numbers Of these 5 are reported from Anuradapura East electorate, 3 are from Kekirawa electorate and 1 is reported from Colombo Office 011 2 564404 011 4 722632 Kalawawa electorate.

Electorate: Anuradhapura East DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR Arson 20th August, 2008 / 01:50Hrs A gang of people, assumed to be supporters of Berti Pramalal Dissanayake, UPFA candidate for Anuradhapura District has

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 48 opened fire on a house belonging to Hettiarachchlage Arson- property of Dr.John Pulle -20th August 2008, 17:00Hrs Prasanna Lakshan and damaged a car (Toyota Corrolla) A Group of alleged UPFA Supporters damaged and set fire to parked at the house. a UNP Party office located in Harischandra Mw, Anuradhapura along with a House and Dispensary belonging Arson- 20th August, 2008 / 03:15Hrs to Dr.Jhon Pulle ,who is also the Anuradhapura District A double cab (40-2405) and a Van (57-3703) owned by Coordinator of UNP. Three vehicles (65- 1782, HB- 7797, KD M.M.Anoordeen, UNP candidate for Anuradhapura District 9191) were also set on fire by the same group at the premises. has been set fire allegedly by Supporters of UPFA in Kanadara Katukeliyawa area. Assailants furthermore fired Kalawewa-20th August, 2008 / 12:30Hrs, several shots towards the house of Mr.M.M Anoordeen’s Ajantha Wasala Bandara, Secretary of Dumindha Dissanayake father in law, using an automatic rifle. UPFA M.P.for Anuradhapura District sustained injuries due to gunshots fired by an unknown gang of people traveling in Assault and damage to property-20th August 20, 2008 / a blue colored van. It is also alleged that the assailants threw a 12:10Hrs petrol bomb at the vehicle of the victim. UPFA supporters, Prassanna Bassnayake and Raja Basnayake allegedly damaged a house and vehicle belonging to a UNP Kekirawa-20th, 2008 /09:30Hrs, supporter Mayurapani Vimal Thusara while another UNP UPFA supporters D.Sampath and Jayatissa , allegedly supporter was attacked with a sword at the same location. damaged the Vehicle of Ashoka Gunasiri, UNP Candidate for Attackers later fled the scene, leaving behind a Motor Bike Anuradhapura District and furthermore threatened him using #NC HP 1442. a handgun. Furthermore, H.D.Shantha, a supporter of Ashoka Gunasiri sustained injuries during the incident. Damage to Property-20th August, 2008 / 12:30Hrs Supporters of UPFA North Central Ministerial Candidate Kekirawa- 20th, 2008 /09:30Hrs Berty Premalal Dissanayake attacked and caused damage to a A group of alleged UPFA supporters led by Sooriya Walpola, house belonging to Kasthuri Anuradhanayake, a Legal Officer attacked and damaged a party office of UNP in Kekirawa and for UNP Anuradhapura District.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 49 damaged a van (59-4264) and a double cab (NC HA 6374) CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy owned by UNP candidate Sunil Dissanayaake Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition Against Political Violence as an independennt and Kekirawa-20th, August 2008 /15:15Hrs non-partisan orrganisation to monitor the incidence of election Group of individuals, suspected to be supporters of UPFA related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM Chief Ministerial Candidate Berty Premalal has opened fire on and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. a house belonnging to a UNP supporter K.V Abeysinngha , damaging a vehicle (reg #-253-1495) in Kekirawa.

Kekirawa -20th, August 2008 / 10.15Hrs A group of alleged UNP supporters attacked and damaaged a DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR party office of Mr. Gamagee Weerasena, UPFA candidate, in Maradankadawala

It is reported tto CMEV that all incidents, except the damage caused to the office of Mr.Weerasena Gamage, a UPFA candidate for NCP, are allegedly committed by the UPFA aagainst the UNP. The supporters of Mr.Berty Premalal Disanayake- UPFA Chief Minister candidate have been identified to have taken part in 3 of these incidents .CMEV believes that the increasing violence in Anuradapura District is a crucial facttor which militates against the conduct of a free and fair electioon and thereffore, CMEV requests the IGP and all other responsible officials to take all measures to ensure a free and fair election.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 50

district and 32 are from the Polonnaruwa district. The Sabaragamuwa Province records a total number of 100 incidents 56 from the Rathnapura district and 44 from the 24/2, 28th Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. Kegalle District. Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org Of the 86 incidents recorded from Anuradhapura, 37 are

Major incidents and 49 are Minor incidents. Of the cumulative North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council number of incidents recorded from Anuradhapura district, Elections the highest number of incidents (19) has been recorded from st 21 August 2008 - Media Communiqué No 03 the Kalawewa electorate.

The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence [CMEV] has Of the 32 incidents recorded from Polonnaruwa, 18 are Major commenced its monitoring of the Provincial Council Elections incidents and 14 are Minor incidents). Of the cumulative in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. CMEV number of incidents recorded from Polonnaruwa district, the has deployed 28 field monitors, whilst a further 450 day highest number of incidents (19) has been recorded from the observers and 12 mobile teams have been trained for the Polonnaruwa electorate. process of Election Day monitoring in the 27 polling divisions of the two provinces. Of the incidents recorded (56) from Ratnapura, 27 are Major incidents and 29 are Minor incidents. Of the cumulative A total number of 218 incidents have been reported to the number of incidents recorded from Ratnapura district, the CMEV since the close of nominations on the 04/07/08 up to highest number of incidents (13) has been recorded from the 20/08/08. Kolonna electorate. Of these, 104 have been classified as Major incidents and the remaining 114 have been classified as Minor incidents. Of the incidents recorded (44) from the Kegalle, 22 are Major Of the total number of incidents recorded, 118 are reported incidents and 22 are Minor incidents. Of the from the NCP. Of these, 86 are from the Anuradhapura

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 51

TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS BY TYPE (218) cumulative number of incidents recorded from Keegalle district, the highest number of incidents (20) has been recorded from the Kegalle electorate.

Of the total number of incidents recorded so far, 115 complaints are against the UPFA, 35 complaints are against

INCIDENTS BY DISTRICTS the UNP, 04 are against JVP, 1 is against National

Kegalle Congress, 2 are against Police and in 61 incidents, the alleged 20% Anuradapura 39% perpetrators have not been identified.

Ratnapura 26% Of the 34 incidents reported from the Anuradhapura district Polonnaruwa 15% aagainst the UPFA, 4 are aagainst the supporters of Berty Premalal Dissanayake. Of the 18 incidents reported from the

Polonnaruwa district against the UPFA, S.M. Jayantha, Adam TOT A L NUMBER OF INCIDENTS BY D ISTRICT Lebbe Fais and D.S. Dayawanse, each has become liable for 1 incident. Of the 7 incidents reported aagainst UNP, UNP candidate Syddney Jayaratne is identified as the alleged perpetrator in 1 incident. Of the 30 number of incidents reported from the Ratnapura district against the UPFA, 4 are ANURADHAPURA POLONNA R UWA aagainst the supporters of their candidate Premalal Jayasekara, including 1 directly naming him. Likewise, there are 4 are aagainst the supporters of Kanchana Jayaratne another UPFA candidate. Of the 11 incidents reported aagainst the UNP, 1 complaint is against the supporters of UNP candidate, Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 52

Hasitha Samantha. Of the 33 incidents reported from the ALLEGED PERPETRATORS OF VIOLENCE Kegalle district against the UPFA, 7 are against the supporters of Maheepala Herath, 3 are against Imitias Cader and 2 are aagainst the supporters of Saman Jayasinnghe. Imitias Cader 100 and Saman Jayasinghe are UPFA candidates. 90

In the cumulative total mentioned above, there are 3 80 complaints by the UPFA aagainst the UPFA, which implies 70 that there are internal conflicts within the Party. The UNP has also made 46 complaints agaainst the UPFA while the JVP has 60 UPFA made 52 complaints. Furthermore, Ruhunu Janatha Party UNP 50 (RJP) has made 4 complaints in addition to the 2 complaints JVP made by the CWC. Moreover, CMEV monitors directly 40 PNG reported 5 complaints against the UPFA while the Police has 30 made 1 complaint. There are 2 complaints by unidentified groups against the UPFA. Among the total number of 20 complaints made against the UNP, there are 30 complaints by 10 the UPFA, 4 complaints by the JVP and 1 complaint bby the CWC. There were only 4 complaints against JVP. All of them 0 were made by UPFA. In addition, there were 59 complaints in UPFA UNP JVP PNG which the party of the alleged perpetrator has not been identified.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 53

The complaints made by the 3 major political parties- UPFA, which the firearms have been allegedly used by persons UNP, JVP, can be classified as follows: whose party affiliation is not known.

Incidents Attempted Grievous Hurt Assault Threat & Misuse of Robbery Arson Abduction Misuse of State Resources for election Parties murder hurt intimidation State Resources campaign UPFA 1 3 12 5 3 1 UNP 1 6 12 6 3 1 1 Of the cumulative incidents (218) recorded, JVP 1 1 12 9 2 3 1 there are 8 complaints regarding the flagrant misuse of State property (all the facilities On account of the grave nature of incidents that have including vehicles belonging to the Provincial Councils, Chief occurred Ministers’ Offices and official residences, telephones). All up to 20th August 2008 at 5.00pm, the following incidents complaints are against the former UPFA Chief Ministers who highlighted below require the immediate attention of all are standing for re- election. parties concerned especially the Commissioner of Elections, Issuance of temporary Identity Cards Senior DIG, Elections and the IGP etc.

CMEV believes that the step taken by the Commissioner of Use of Firearms Elections to certify identification of voters is a positive and a progressive step towards ensuring a free and fair election, since it would reduce the instances of fraudulent voting. CMEV observes that there is a rising trend in the use of However, this has not been a total success. firearms. Firearms have been used in 23 incidents that were reported or 10.5% of the cumulative total. CMEV emphasizes In Monarathenna of Welikanda, a person who did not like to that this is a cause for concern. In 8 incidents, firearms have reveal his identity stated to CMEV that, a considerable allegedly been used by the UPFA and in 2 incidents by the number of voters have not received their identity cards or the UNP. The JVP has not been involved in any incident in which certified identification documents (e.g. a certified photograph th firearms have been used. In fact, there are 13 incidents in ) as on the date of 20 August. In this situation, some candidates have provided photographs at their own expense. In an interview with Assistant Election Commissioner, Mr. Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 54

W.H.R. Udaya Kumara in the Polonnaruwa district, a Summary of the observations- Pre- election period programme for the issue of temporary identification documents has been implemented on the advice of the Commissioner of Elections and about 8000 people have CMEV emphasizes that there is a rapid increase in the election received them. He further stated that it was conducted until violence as a consequence of the: 20/08/08. However, he stated that he does not have any statistics of those who did not receive identification • Infringement of the laws relating to the election documents. campaignn by the two main political parties, UNP and UPFA Police Bias • Political bias of the Police

• CMEV stronglly believes that the partisan bias of the Police in Competition within the UPFA for preferential votes in some electorates militates aagainst the conduct of a free and order to be appointed Chief Minister in the NCP fair election. This factor will be crucial particularly in the • The targeting of the JVP by the UPFA in Polonnaruwa Anuradhapura district. Mr. Ruchira Weliwatte, Magistrate electorate of the Polnnaruwa district and District Judge of A’pura has observed that the main • Violent behaviour of Mr. Maheepala Herath, former CM reason behind the increasing violence in A’ pura is the of Sabaragamuwa particularly in Rambukkana, Keegalle inefficiency of the Police. He has ordered DIG K.P. Pathirana and Mawanella electorates NCP range and SSP H.P. Ilangasiri of the A’pura Police division to tighten the security of the citty, immediatelly and directly supervise the operation. The presence of TMVP cadres in the Polonnaruwa district is also a cause for concern. Apart from A’pura district, Polonnaruwa electorate of the Polonnaruwa district, the Rambukkana and Kegalle electorates of Kegalle district may also be prone to Police malpractices, which would give rise to the fraudulent voting. The UNP and JVP have already informed the Commisssioner of Elections and the IGP about this issue.

DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 55

BREACH OF ELECTION LAWS August 21, 2008 It was reported to the CMEV by the JVP team leader Mahinda Jayasinghe that he had complaint to Kegalle police that in the residence of Vijitha Yapa, of 72, Albert Seneviratne Mawatha th 24/2, 28 Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. in Kegalle, arms, weapons and fraudulent ballot papers were Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org observed. It was stated that the presences of these papers

were reported to the police by the JVP Kegalle District North Central and Sabaragamuwa parliamentarian Anurudhdha Polgampola. The police had Provincial Council Elections subsequently removed these items from the house. It was 22nd August 2008 - Media Communiqué No 04 further reported that in the areas of Rambukkana, Kegalle, Deraniyagala and Dedigama of the Sambaragamuwa Prior to the commencement of polling on August 23rd, 2008, Province, unofficial ballot papers have been distributed by CMEV reports a tense situation prevailing in many areas in alleged UPFA supporters. This incident also was reported to the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. CMEV by the JVP team leader Mahinda Jayasinghe. When CMEV contacted Kegalle police regarding this incident they August 20, 2008 were informed that when the police arrived at the residence of It has been alleged by the JVP that two vehicles, one Albert Seneviratne no such weapons and fraudulent ballot belonging to the Presidential Secretariat and the other papers were found. belonging to UPFA candidate Udayakantha Gunathileke, were seen carrying what seemed to be polling cards in MISUSE OF STATE RESOURCES Nelumdeniya area of the Dedigama electorate, Kegalle. August 22, 2008 Although the police had checked on this, “they have taken no It has been alleged that at about 2.00 am, 10 ballot boxes were action to date” said Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe. CMEV received transported to the offices of the former Chief Minister of the this complaint on the evening of August 22nd, 2008. North Central Province and now UPFA candidate, Bertie Premalal Dissanayake. It has been alleged that he is

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 56 continuing to use these premises for election campaigning. white HI-ACE vans, the two occupants of the UNP vehicle This complaint was made by UNP election candidate Major were on route to Rakwana town when their vehicle was General Janaka Perera. He is reported to have also informed supposed to have been blocked at Kalubangalawa. Both The Returning Officer- Anuradhapura, Deputy Election persons sustained minor injuries and were admitted to the Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya and the Election Rakwana Hospital. The UPFA supporters who carried out the Commissioner at the Election Secretariat in Rajagiriya. CMEV alleged attack were also injured and were then admitted to was unable to reach Assistant Election Commissioner the Kahawatte Hospital. He was concerned about the fact that Anuradhapura Saman Bandula Gunasena in order to verify the police had taken his vehicle into custody, whereas the this report. vehicle belonging to the governing party was released. He In the Ruwanwella electorate, Minister of Labour Relations also claimed that shots were fired into the air during the and Manpower Athauda Seneviratne and his son, Parakrama “attack”. He further stated that hundreds of people who have Athauda was seen using double cabs belonging to the not been seen before in Ratnapura district have amassed in Ministry for campaigning purposes. The vehicle numbers various areas close to the town area. He fears that such were: GJ-5818, a red colored cab and 57- 6598, an ash colored unscrupulous persons may be used to intimidate citizens and cab. impersonate voters at tomorrow’s elections. In accordance with election regulations, the police in the According to the CMEV Monitor, Dushmanthya Mithrapala, a Ratnapura town area were observed to be systematically UPFA candidate for the Sabaragamuwa province was also tearing down any and all election related material including seen using a cab belonging to the same Ministry. The number posters, banners and hoardings. Supporters of the JVP, of the vehicle was WPGA- 8170. This particular vehicle was meanwhile, continue to put up campaign posters even now, observed been used for election campaign purposes in the according to CMEV monitors. Supporters from all political area of Bulathkohupitiya in the Yatiyanthota electorate. parties have been seen riding around town on bicycles distributing leaflets bearing photographs and candidate At around 10.30 am, a vehicle belonging to UNP candidate numbers. These leaflets have been dropped in front of polling Hasitha Samantha was alleged to have been damaged by stations and bus stands. members of the UPFA, who had arrived at the scene in two

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 57

According to an eyewitness, Cyril Gamage, a Pradeshiya Sabha MP of UPFA from Kekirawa threw a burning stick at a North Central and Sabaraagamuwa local food outlet in the Madaatugama bazaar. This particular 24/2, 28th Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. establishment was made out of cadjan and therefore was Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 completely guuttered in the fire. This incident occurred E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org approximately at 1.30 this morning. The police investigaation is Provincial Council Elections rd ongoing. 23 August 2008 09.30 hrs - Media Communiqué No 05 The CMEV would like to draw attention the fact in the above instances that election law has been violated. Namely continuous campaigning when the campaigning period CMEV monitors report tension on the ground in certain should have ceased by the 20th midnight, which is contrary to polling divisions in the two provinces. Of particular concern clause 70 of the PC Elections Act no 2 of 1988 and the misuse are reports from monitors identifying government ministers of state resources and also creates an imbalanced playing field engaging in voter intimidation. CMEV condemns the where the governing party has access to more resources than involvement of Ministers in violation of the Elections law and the other political parties and independent groups. calls upon the government to act immediately to stop this. CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the CMEV monitors report that the brother of UNP candidate, Coalition Agaainst Political Violence as an independent and Upul Bandara and a person named Roshan, have been non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election assaulted by a group of people led by Minister related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM Mahindananda Aluthgamage. The Minister and his retinue and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. are currently in the vicinity of the Zahira College polling station (No.33 and 34) in the Mawanela electorate, Keegalle district, threatening and intimidating UNP voters. CMEV monitors further report that they are traveling in six vehicles,

DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA none of which have license plates. CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 58

In the Balangoda electorate of Sabaragamuwa, at No. 13 In the Anuradhapura West electorate, at polling station Balangoda CC M.V (Tamil), it is alleged that Minister Jagath number 04 Adampanai Sudharsha M.V, four persons have Pushpakumara and his supporters have snatched the polling been prevented from exercising their franchise as the SPO cards of JVP supporters. They are also allegedly threatening refused to recognise their identity cards. voters arriving at the polling station. This was reported to CMEV by its mobile team in Balangoda. Fraudulent Voting One incident of fraudulent voting is reported from In the Polonnaruwa electorate, at the Nuwaragala Pihitigala Polonnaruwa electorate from R.K. Indrananda, the Group polling station (No. 10), the chairman of the Dehiyattiyakanda Leader of JVP in Polonnaruwa. A person named K. P. Pradeshiya Sabha and Upali Rajakaruna representative of the Kumarasiri has allegedly voted in two Polling Stations Dimbulagala PS have been seen travelling around the town namely, Dharma Wijayarama Polling Station (No. 33) and area intimidating UNP supporters and preventing them from Girithale Junior School (No.35). voting. Mr. Henrik Appuhamy, a former UNP PS representative, reported this to CMEV. Chasing away of voters Mr. Thushara Karunaratne of JVP reported to CMEV monitor There are a number of other major incidents, which militate that the supporters of Mangala Master of UPFA, armed with against the conduct of a free and fair election. guns, chased away the people who came to vote at about 0630 to Palliyagodella Muslim Junior School (No.33) in Inability to prove identity Polonnaruwa. It was reported to CMEV that 10 persons who came to vote have been sent away by the SPO of A/ Sinhala Opposition Polling Agents chased away from Horowpathana Kakulbendidigiliya (No.2) in Horowpathana electorate of polling Station Anuradhapura district at about 9.00am, because they could At 7.40 am today, in Horowpathana, Anuradhapura district, not prove their identity. These persons did not even have UNP polling agents were chased away from the temporary identification documents. A/Mukkarawewa Vidyalaya Polling Station (No.06) by the

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 59

Horowpathan Pradeshiya Sabha chairman, A.R.M Hussein. CMEV monitor Herath reports that there were campaign The incident was reported to CMEV by UNP leader P. Saheel. leaflets of Mr. Maheepala Herath, the UPFA Chief Minister candidate to be seen around the polling station - Elengipitiya Campaigning continues in Nadola although polling has Junior School in Aranayake at about 7.40 am. begun Posters bearinng the numbers of two UPFA candidates were CMEV draws attention to the above violations of election law. spotted within 500 metres of the Nadolakanda Vidyalaya (No The continuation of campaigning beyond midnight, Auugust 71) polling station, in the Ratnapura district. The two 20th is contrary to clause 70 of the PC Elections Act no 2 of candidates concerned are UPFA candidates Ravindra 1988. The use of violence and the abuse of state resources is a Ranaveeraarachchi and Vijitha Punchihewa. serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process. CMEV calls on the authorities to call a halt to this, even at this late Posters and hoardings still displayed in Ratnapura stage in the current electoral process. A similar incident has been reported nearby the Seevali CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Counting Centre in Ratnapura town where posters and Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the hoardings of candidates from all parties are still seen Coalition Against Political Violence as an independennt and prominently displayed. non-partisan orrganisation to monitor the incidence of election In the Minneriya Electorate of Polonnaruwa, NC Prov, near related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM Bakamuma Mahasen Central Collage, Lionel Samarasekara of and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. JVP complained about the display of UPFA election posters and materials continuing on Election Day.

Field reports indicate that the supporters of Mr. Imitias Cader, candidate No.05 of UPFA were travelling around the polling station Beragaala Junior School in Kegalle, in a white Caravan bearing the no. 52- 1995, pasting posters, at about 7.00 am. DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 60

reports from its monitors and political parties of other incidents of this nature, suggesting that the overall figure in both provinces of those who were effectively disenfranchised 24/2, 28th Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 could be high. As at the close of polls, CMEV had received E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org reports of over 570 persons being so deprived in the areas of Dedigama, Deraniyagala, Eheliyagoda, Kegalle, Kolonna, North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Mawanella, Rambukkana, Ruwanwella and Yatiyantota in the Council Elections Sabaragamuwa Province and Anuradhapura West, 23rd August 2008 18.30 hrs Horowapathana, Kekirawa, Medawachchiya, Polonnaruwa in Media Communiqué No - 06 the NCP. According to a notice issued by the Election Commissioner on On election day CMEV has received 42 complaints of election 16th July 2008, eight forms of identification were listed as related violence of which 27 have been classified as major accepted documentation for voting. A clear procedure was set incidents. These include seizing of polling cards, threat and out in the above notice which provides alternatives for those intimidation of voters, shootings near polling centers, chasing who lack any of the eight forms of identification. away of polling agents, assault and threats to election monitors and party supporters. Whilst CMEV has supported the use of national ID cards as mandatory for the purpose of voter identification, it has Of particular concern are reports that a number of voters both always maintained that this should not be implemented to the in the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provinces were detriment of any voters. Whilst we recognize that interim deprived of their right to vote because of the lack of measures were devised and publicized, the scale of effective appropriate identity documents. CMEV spoke to the National disenfranchisement clearly demonstrate the need for more Organiser of the the CWC, Mr. Yogarajan who stated that out proactive dissemination of information amongst citizens and of approximate 95,000 Upcountry Tamils who are registered effective communication of these procedural requirements to voters in the Sabaragamuwa Province 10% were unable to the relevant government officials. cast their vote because of this. CMEV has also received

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 61

We therefore call upon the Election Commissioner to conduct an independent investigation in to what has transpired at these elections and to take all necessary steps to ensure that th 24/2, 28 Lane, Off Flower Road, Colombo 07. officials are aware of these requirements in the event that they Tel: +94 11 2565304 – 6, 5552746, 5552748, Fax:+94 11 4714460 E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.cpalanka.org have to be resorted to in the future. It is imperative that officials found responsible for what is clearly a violation of a North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council fundamental right are held to account. We also strongly urge Elections the authorities to expedite the issue of outstanding ID cards. 23rd Auugust 2008 - Media Communiqué No. 7

Some of the incidents encountered were: CMEV was formed in 1997 by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Sabaragamuwa Coalition Agaainst Political Violence as an independent and The majority of incidents reported to CMEV regardinng the non-partisan organisation to monitor the incidence of election lack of proper documentation were made in the Keegalle related violence. Currently, CMEV is made up of CPA, FMM and INFORM Human Rights Documentation Centre. District. In the Kegalle Electorate at the Hettimulla Bandaranaike M.V, 40 persons were not allowed to cast their votes as the SPO did not recognize the identification

presented by the voters, which was authorized by the Grama

Sevaka. A similar incident has been reported in the

DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA Ambuwangala Junior School (Polling Statioon 44) CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR Rambukkana Electorate, Keegalle District. 10 persons were

denied permission to vote in this instance. As the SPO was unable to recognize their IDs as valid, 15 persons were turned

away from the Polling Station at the Hinnguralakanda Maha

Vidyalaya (Polling Station 36) in the Deraniyagala Electorate, Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 62

Kegalle District. At Deewala Maha Vidyalala, Hall number 1 CMEV notes that apart from a few serious incidents and in and 2 (Polling Stations 6 and 7) in the Kegalle Electorate, 36 comparison with previous provincial elections, Polling Day of voters were turned away due to ID issues. In the Kegalle the elections to the Sabaragamuwa and North Central District, in the Mawanella Electorate, 20 voters were turned Provincial Councils was relatively incident free. The away from Udamakadawara Junior School Hall Number 1 expectations of violence that were based on the incidence of (Polling Station 20) as the SPO was unable to verify their violence in the last three days of the campaign in particular, identification. In two different polling stations in the were fortunately not met. Accordingly, CMEV acknowledges Ruvanwella Electorate, Kegalle District voters were turned the positive impact of the announcement by the Election away. Also in the Ruvanwella Electorate, the Anguruwella Commissioner that he would order a re-poll in areas where Pre School (Polling Station 33) 3 persons were turned back at violence and malpractice were confirmed to have occurred, as 7 45 am and at the Gonagala North Kanishta Vidyalala well as his decision to strengthen law enforcement in the (Polling Station 24), 5 persons were turned back at 8 am. areas that recorded high levels of violence throughout the campaign. Likewise, CMEV also acknowledges the positive CMEV received reports of differing standards being used in impact of the actions of the police in those areas where its neighbouring polling stations. For example, there were presence and commitment was reinforced. reports of persons being able to vote without the requisite documentation in the Garagoda Muslim Vidayalaya (No 10) As emphasized in its earlier communiqué of today in Yatiyantota Electorate, Kegalle District. In CMEV deployed (Communique 6, August 23, 2008), the effective stationary observers in 420 polling stations, 11 mobile teams disenfranchisement of voters on account of them not having and 28 field monitors in the two provinces. During the course the required identity documentation, is a cause for serious of the day 976 polling stations were visited of the 1768 polling concern. No citizen should be deprived of the fundamental stations in both provinces. right to exercise franchise. Be it because of a failure of communication or administrative delay, the resulting,

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 63 effective disenfranchisement of voters has deprived citizens of In the course of these elections, CMEV also monitored the the right to participate in the basic process of choice and media coverage of the election campaign. We found that in change in a functioning democracy. This needs to be the case of both the print and electronic media, state addressed as a matter of priority. CMEV strongly urges the controlled media organs were comprehensively biased in Elections Commissioner to initiate an independent inquiry favour of the ruling coalition. The private print media organs into what transpired and to hold to account officials found to were also found to exhibit partisan bias. CMEV calls on the be responsible for this. We also strongly urge the authorities Commissioner, to issue guidelines to the media, even during to take similar action in respect of local officials who are provincial elections and reminds the state media in particular, found to be similarly responsible. of a primary obligation to serve the public interest. We call upon all media organs to observe internationally recognized CMEV has supported the mandatory use of the National guidelines for reporting during elections. Identity Card (NIC) for voter identification, but reiterated that its use for this purpose should not result in the deprivation of An illustrative sample of the incidents of violence and fundamental rights and to the disadvantage of citizens. malpractice reported by CMEV monitors is provided below. Consequently, we repeat our call for the expediting of the issue of NICs. The prospect of further elections in the near Assault of a polling agent and parliamentarian future, underscores the importance and urgency of this. At least four JVP supporters were assaulted near the

In this context, CMEV also repeats it call for the full Galthamburawa Junior School (Polling Station 92) in the implementation of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Polonnaruwa Electorate. One of the assaulted included JVP Constitution, which provides for the establishment of candidate Chandraratna Kumara. JVP parliamentarian S.K independent commissions for elections and the police - an Subasinghe who rushed to the scene was instructed to report issue which the constituent organizations of CMEV have, and to the nearest police station. While Mr. Subasinghe was continue to lobby and litigate on. enroute to the station, he was pulled over by a gang of UPFA Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 64 supporters and attacked. Mr. Subasinghe and three of his used a T- 56 rifle to carry out their attack. The victim, supporters sustained injuries. They were all admitted to the Sampath Kumara, was admitted to the Kegalle Hospital. hospital with injuries. The JVP has alleged that the attackers were supporters of Minister Maithripala Sirisena’s brother, Threat and intimidation of candidates, polling agents and supporters Chaminda Sirisena, a UPFA provincial council candidate for the North Central Province. This incident, which occurred at Prabath Weerawansa, son of the UPFA former minister G. around 4.45 p.m, was reported to CMEV by the JVP. Weerawansa, had threatened to kill National People’s Party Polling Agent Senaka Chandana at the Polling Station at the Two children hurt in attack on UNP candidate Olambawa Community Hall (Polling Station 13), in the A vehicle belonging to UNP provincial candidate G.P.K Kekirawa Electorate, in the Anuradhapura District. At the Kumara Nelson was stoned near the Bandiweva Maha same Polling Station, Prabath Weerawansa and his supporters Vidyalaya (Polling Station 71), Jayanthipura, Polonnaruwa had also damaged the vehicle of Priyaranjana Rathnayake, a Electorate, Polomaruwa District. Two children who were by National People’s Party candidate. the road side were injured during the course of the attack and were admitted to the Polonnaruwa hospital. They alleged that In Wiyeyaramaya Polling Station (Polling Station 11) in UPFA persons had stoned the vehicle. Kalaweva Electorate, Anuradhapura District, a UPFA Rajangana Pradeshiya Sabha representative D.M. Election monitor assaulted in Kegalle Wimarshana Prabath Vithana threatened a UNP supporter named P. Sampath Rajindra.\ A monitor connected to the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) was assaulted by supporters of UPFA Chief Ministerial candidate Mahipala Herath near the Walpola Junior School (No. 15) in Rambukkana. The mob had

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 65

Voter intimidation Voter Impersonation

Two separate incidents of voter intimidation were reported It was reported that 12 persons attempted to cast their votes at from Wee-Oya Junior School (Polling Station 29) and 9.40 a.m. at the A/Heambawewa Junior Secondary School Malalpola Maha Vidyalaya (Polling Station 18 ) both in the (Polling Station 29), Anurdhapura West Electorate, Yatiyantota Electorate, Kegalle District. In both incidents Anurdhapura District using false identification. unidentified persons who drove in Defender Jeeps had shot into the air. CMEV was informed by the Senior Presiding At Sumanagala Vidyalaya (Polling Station 28 ) in the Officers in both stations that they had not witnessed the Anuradhapure West Electorate, a farmer named R.M incidents but had heard gunshots. CMEV was informed that Ratnayake was not allowed to vote as the SPO informed him other Polling Officers had witnessed the incidents. It was also that his vote had already been cast. He was told that his vote reported that police officers were witnesses to the incident but had been cast via a postal vote by an army officer of the same had not taken any action. name. The application to file this vote was requested by Maj. Gen. M.J.K Jayapriya, commander of the Kavachikkuda army A JVP supporter reported to the CMEV an incident at the camp. Aralaganwila Ruhunagama Veeralanda Junior School (Polling Station 7), in Polonnaruwa Electorate, where UPFA Voter transportation in Mihintale supporters threatened JVP supporters. UNP provincial council candidate H.M Prasanna Sugath In R/Udugala Vidyalaya (Polling Station 17) and R/Pimbura Herath transported voters to the A/Ganthiriyagama Maha Vidyalaya (Polling Station 19) in the Kalawana Electorate in Vidyalaya (Polling station 42), in the Mihintale Electorate, the Ratnapura District, UPFA candidate Lambert Bandara and Anurdhapura District. He used a white Tipper vehicle his supporters threatened and intimidated voters. bearing license plate number 48-5961 for this purpose.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 66

Damage to property the areas of Dedigama, Deraniyagala, Eheliyagoda, Kegalle, Kolonna, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Ruwanwella and Supporters of Chief Minister candidate of UPFA in Yatiyantota in the Sabaragamuwa Province and Sabaragamuwa Province, Maheepala Herath who had arrived Anuradhapura West, Horowapathana, Kekirawa, in seven vehicles and attacked a cab bearing the number plate Medawachchiya, Polonnaruwa in the NCP. 56-2218 belonging to the JVP in front of the in Pinnawala Central College (Polling Station 27), Rambukkana, Kegalle According to a notice issued by the Election Commissioner on District. 16th July 2008, eight forms of identification were listed as accepted documentation for voting. A clear procedure was set Inability to vote due to lack of proper documentation out in the above notice which provides alternatives for those who lack any of the eight forms of identification. CMEV has reported that a number of voters both in the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provinces were deprived contrast, persons were not allowed to vote in the nearby of their right to vote because of the lack of appropriate Panawatta Tamil Vidyalaya (No12) due to the lack of proper identity documents. CMEV spoke to the National Organiser documentation. of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), Mr. Yogarajan who stated that out of approximate 95,000 Upcountry Tamils who CMEV monitors also received complaints from the are registered voters in the Sabaragamuwa Province 10% Rathnapura Districts. In the Eheliyagoda Electorate of were unable to cast their vote because of this. CMEV has also Ratnapura District at the Minnawa Sri Muchalindaramaya received reports from its monitors and political parties of Polling Station (Polling Station 07), a large number of persons other incidents of this nature, suggesting that the overall were turned away from the Polling booth due to the lack of figure in both provinces of those who were effectively National Identity cards. disenfranchised could be high. As at the close of polls, CMEV had received reports of over 570 persons being so deprived in

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 67

North Central Province Anuradhapura Maha Bulankulama Vidyalaya (Polling Station 54), Anurdhapura West at 9.10am. Approximately 25 voters There were a few incidents of voters not being allowed to vote were sent back between 7:00am and 1:50pm,by the Senior in the North Central Province, particularly from Polling Officer at the Anuradhapura Moragahadigiliya Anurdhapura District. In the Anuradhapura Morahewa Viduhala (Polling Station 07), Horowpothana Electorate, Vidyalaya (Polling Station 10), Horowpothana Electorate, Anuradhapura District reportedly due lack of identity cards. Anuradhapura District, between 7:00am to 1:20 pm, CMEV monitor reported that about 100 voters were sent back by the In Yodhaela Maha Vidayalaya (Polling Station 50) in SPO because they did not have a proper ID card and thus Minneriya, Polonnaruwa District the JVP complained that were unable to vote. In the Adampane Sudharshana Maha persons were able to vote with a document attested by the GS. Vidyalaya (Polling Station 04), Anurahapura West Electorate, At the Yodhaela Maha Vidyalaya Polling station, Mineriya four voters had turned up without any of the eight forms of Electorate, Polannaruwa District, voters were allowed to use a identification, but with the Grama Seveka certification. The letter issued by the GS as formal identification. However, at Senior Presiding Office did not, however permit them to vote. polling stations in some of the other polling stations, the Five persons have turned up without Identity Cards but with Senior Polling Officers refused to recognize such a letter. GS certification to vote at the Maha Bulankualama Vidyalaya Polling Station (Polling Station 54), Anuradhapura West Continuation of campaigning on Election Day Electorate, Anuradhapura District but the Senior Presiding Officer has not permitted them to vote. Eight persons were In the Ruwanwella Electorate, Kegalle District, Kananthota not allowed to cast their votes because the Senior Presiding Suleimaniya Muslim Vidyalaya (No.38)at 9 .05 am, supporters Officer has refused them permission to vote because the IDs of Nihal Farook (UNP) had been seen near the polling that they presented were a form of identification authorized station telling voters to vote for Nihal Farook. only by the Grama Sevaka. This incident occurred in at the

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 68

A large numbers of leaflets and posters of UPFA Chief Distribution of election related materials Minister Candidate Mahipala Herath were distributed at Polling stations Kalugala Rural Development Society Hall In the Pollonaruwa District, at the Sarvodaya District Center (Polling Station 1), Puwakdeniya Junior School (Polling (Polling Station 83), in New Town Pollonnaruwa, UPFA Station 3), Beragala Junior School (Polling Station 22) and candidate Peshala Jayaratne’s supporters distributed election Paragammana Dharamapala Junior School (Polling Station 26) related materials using a trishaw bearing number plate QC- in the Kegalle Electorate, Kegalle District. 8870.

Supporters of UPFA Chief Minister candidate Bertie Premalal Restriction of access to the Polling Station Dissanayake and UPFA candidate Udaya Nalin Wijeyaratne In the Dereniyagla Electorate of Kegelle District, were seen distributing small cards bearing their names and Sabaragamuwa Province, near the Basnagala Polling Station candidate numbers to voters. This incident occurred around (Polling Station 04), obstruction of road access to the polling 10am within 200 metres of the Kidavarampulam Vidyalaya station had been engineered by cutting and placing of two (Polling Station 50), in Madawachchiya in the Anuradhapura trees on the road District.

Monitor obstructed from entry The leaflets bearing the details of candidate no. 22, Dushmantha Mithrapala of UPFA, have been spotted near the A CMEV stationary monitor was denied entry into a polling polling station in Deraniyagala Junior School (Polling Station station by the SPO at A/Ganthiriyagama Maha Vidyalaya 22) in Deraniyagala Electorate, Kegalle District. (Polling Station 42), Mihinthale Electorate, Anuradhapura District. After speaking with the police, and a further delay of

15 minutes, the monitor was allowed inside.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 69

CMEV monitor reprimanded by SPO

In the Anuradhapura East Electorate, at the D.S. Senanayake

School (Polling Station 39), the CMEV stationary monitor was reprimanded bby the SPO. The polling officer had also refused to sign the CMEV personnel’’s monitoring sheet.

UPFA complains of bias

CMEV has received a complaint from the UPFA that at the Kadawathmaduwa Dharmapala Junior School (Polling Station 63), Polonnaruwa Electorate, that the SPO and his staff were biased toward the UNP supporters.

DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. U. KURUKULASURIYA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 70

Tables

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 71

Pre- Election Summary

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 72

Alleged Perpetrators of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008

AREA/PARTY UPFA UNP JVP UNA ELMS USP UCPF NC NPP JSP MLF RJP LF SLPF CWC SMBP POLICE CMEV INDI PNG TOTAL North Central A 'pura East 7 3 18 28 A' pura West 0 Horowpathana 2 13 Kalawewa 14 9 10 33 Kekirawa 11 213 Medawachchiya 3 69 Mihintale 1 45 Sub Total Anuradhapura Dis.361400 0 0 0 00000000 0 0 0 04191 Polonnaruwa 15 5 1 1527 Medirigiriya 3 3 28 Minneriya 2 24 Sub Total Polonnaruwa Dis.20800 0 0 0 10000000 0 1 0 09 39 Total 562200 0 0 0 10000000 0 1 0 050130 Sabaragamuwa Balangoda 1 1 13 Eheliyagoda 2 46 Kalawana 4 1 5 Kolonna 12 2 115 Nivitigala 4 2 1 7 Palmadulla 3 1 15 Rakwana 4 15 Ratnapura 2 5 1412 Ratnapura Dis. 321120 0 0 0 00000000 0 1 0 01258 Aranayaka 4 26 Deraniyagala 3 1 26 Dadigama 1 1 2 Galigamuwa 1 1 2 Kegalle 19 2 21 Mawanella 5 5 Rabukkana 5 3 19 Ruwanwella 0 Yatiyantota 0 Kegalle Dis. 38530 0 0 0 00000000 0 0 0 05 51 Total 701650 0 0 0 00000000 0 1 0 017109 GRAND TOTAL 1263850 0 0 0 10000000 0 2 0 067239

UPFA- United People's Freedom alliance UCPF - Up-Country Peoples Front RJP - Ruhunu Janatha Party POLICE UNP - United National Party NC - National Congress LF - Left Front INDI - Indipendant Group JVP - Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna NPP - Natinal Peoples Party SLPF - Sri Lanka Progressive Front PNG - Party Not Given UNA - United National Alliance JSP - Jathika Sangwardana Peramuna CWC - Ceylon Workers Congrss ELMS - Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha MLF - Muslim Liberation Front SMBP - Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Bhoomiputra Pakshaya

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 73

Offences Report (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008

Major Incidents Minor incidentsTotal # of Remarks AREA / OFFENCE Murder Att. Hurt Griev. Assault Threat & Misuse of Robbery Arson Abduct Major Mischief Threat Damage Election Others Minor Incidents Firearms Poll.. North Central Murder Hurt Intimid.State ion (Total) Property Offence (Total) Involved Related A 'pura East 22 1 2 2 3 12 4291 16 28 4 A' pura West 000 Horowpathana 0 21 33 Kalawewa 15341 14 3115 19 33 4 Kekirawa 11 1 4 1 8 212 5132 Medawachchiya 21 3 321 69 Mihintale 123 11 251 Anuradhapura Dis. 03407648 8040 15 8 27 1 0 51 91 11 0 Polonnaruwa 11 8 7 1 18 351 9273 Medirigiriya 3 3 122 58 Minneriya 0 211 44 Anuradhapura Dis. 001111700 1021 3681018 39 30 Total 0351181348 9061 18 14 35 2 0 69 130 14 0 Sabaragamuwa Balangoda 1 1 2 231 Eheliyagoda 11 2 11 1 351 Kalawana 211 4 11 262 Kolonna 1 111 2 6 234 915 Nivitigala 52 7072 Palmadulla 121 4 1 151 Rakwana 1 1 1345 Ratnapura 11114 1151 812 Anuradhapura Dis. 013013531 2129 45119029 58 70 Aranayaka 11 2 121 46 Deraniyagala 5 5 1 16 Dadigama 2 202 Galigamuwa 11 202 Kegalle 24 1 7 2516 14 21 1 Mawanella 11 2 21 35 Rabukkana 43 7 11 291 Ruwanwella 000 Yatiyantota 000 Anuradhapura Dis. 008015310 0027 7836024 51 20 Total 011102884 1 2156 11 13 14 15 0 53 109 90 GRAND TOTAL 04161462189111117 29 27 49 17 0 122 239 23 0

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 74

Category of Offences Carried Out by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008

Major Incidents Minor Incidents Misuse Of Att. Grie. Threat & Damage to Election Firearms Poll., PerpetratorsMurder Hurt Assault state Robbery Arson Abduction Major (Total) Mischief Threat Others Minor (Total) GRAND TOTAL Murder Hurt Intimidation Resources Property Offence Involved Related

UPFA 1 10 1 27 13 8 3 5 68 9 19 15 15 58 126 13 UNP 14 124 3 1 25 4 9 1338 2 JVP 22 4115 UNA 0 00

ELMS 0 00 USP 0 00 UCPF 0 00 NC 1 1 01 NPP 0 00 JSP 0 00 MLF 0 00

RJP 0 00 LF 0 00 CWC 0 00 SMBP 0 00

POLICE 0 00 INDI 0222 CMEV 0 00 PNG 2 4 4 3 5 1 19 20 4 24 48 67 8 TOTAL 0 4 16 1 45 22 8 9 11 1 117 29 27 49 17 0 122 239 23 0

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 75

Tabulations of Party Affiliations of Perpetrators and Complainants Date: 22/08/200

UPFA UNP JVP UNA ELMS USP UCPF NC NPP JSP MLF RJP LF SLPF CWC SMBP POLICE CMEV INDI PNG TOTAL Complaints by UPFA against 3325 16 56 Complaints by UNP against 53 20 73 Complaints by JVP against 55 4 1 2 31 93 Complaints by UNA against 0 ELMS 0 Complaints by against Complaints by USP against 0

Complaints by UCPF against 0

Complaints by NC against 0 Complaints by NPP against 0 Complaints by JSP against 0 Complaints by MLF against 0 Complaints by RJP against 4 4 Complaints by LF against 0 Complaints by SLPF against 0 Complaints by CWC against 31 4

Complaints by SMBP against 0

Complaints by POLICE against 11 2 Complaints by INDI against 0 Complaints by CMEV against 5 5 Complaints by PNG against 2 2 TOTAL 126 38 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 67 239

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 76

Category of Offences Complained by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008

Major Incidents Minor Incidents

Att. Misuse Of Grie. Threat & Major Damage to Election Minor GRAND Complainants Murder Hurt Assault state Robbery Arson Abduction Mischief Threat Others (Total) (Total) TOTAL Resources Murder Hurt Intimidation Property Offence UPFA 51124 3 3 284 4 11 1947 UNP 13 105 3 1 1 244 1013 2751 JVP 1 10 8 2 3 1 25 12 6 14 12 44 69 UNA 0 00 ELMS 0 00 USP 0 00 UCPF 0 00 NC 0 00 NPP 0 00 JSP 0 00 MLF 0 00 RJP 44 04 LF 0 00 CWC 11 21 13 SMBP 0 00 POLICE 0111 INDI 0 00 CMEV 11223 PNG 0 00 TOTAL 0 2 8 1 33 18 7 9 5 1 84 20 21 38 15 0 94 178

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 77

Complainants of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 22/08/2008

UPFA UNP JVP UNA ELMS USP UCPF NC NPP JSP MLF RJP LF SLPF CWC SMBP POLICE CMEV INDI PNG TOTAL AREA/PARTY North Central A 'pura East 6 8 4 119 A' pura West 0 Horowpathana 1 2 3 Kalawewa 10 16 7 33 Kekirawa 2 2 4 8 Medawachchiya 3 1 3 7 Mihintalepura Dis.2228190000000040 2 1 1 0001000744 SubPolonnaruwa Total Anuradha 5 4 11 20 Medirigiriya 3 4 7 Minneriya 3 3 Sub Total Polonnaruwa Dis.84180000000000000000030 Total 30323700000000400001000104 Sabaragamuwa Balangoda 2 2 Eheliyagoda 1 3 15 Kalawana 1 2 2 5 Kolonna 1 1 4 17 Nivitigala 2 2 4 Palmadulla 1 1 1 3 Rakwana 5 5 pura Dis. 136200000000000000020041 Ratnapura 5 2 3 10 Aranayaka 3 3 Ratna Deraniyagala 11 Dadigama 1 1 2 Galigamuwa 0 Kegalle 1 6 8 1117 Mawanella 2 2 15 Rabukkana 2 1 2 5 Ruwanwella 0 Yatiyantotagalle Dis. 413120000000000 0300100330 TotalKe 1719320000000000030030074 GRAND TOTAL 4751690000000040 0301300178

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 78

Election Day

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 79

Alleged Perpetrators of Violence (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008 AREA/PARTY UPFA UNP JVP UNA ELMS USP UCPF NC NPP JSP MLF RJP LF SLPF CWC SMBP POLICE CMEV INDI eo PNG TOTAL North Central A 'pura East 1 1 A' pura West 11 Horowpathana 1 1 Kalawewa 4 26 Kekirawa 2 2

Medawachchiya 1 1

Mihintale 1 12 Sub Total Anuradhapura Dis. 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 14

Polonnaruwa 6 1 310

Medirigiriya 1 1 Minneriya 1 32 6 Sub Total Polonnaruwa Dis. 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 17 Total 17 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 5 31 Sabaragamuwa Balangoda 1 1 Eheliyagoda 0 Kalawana 1 1 2 Kolonna 1 1 Nivitigala 0

Palmadulla 1 1

Rakwana 0 Ratnapura 2 2 4 Ratnapura Dis.6300000000000000000009 Aranayaka 1 1 Deraniyagala 2 2 Dadigama 0 Galigamuwa 11 UPFA-Kegalle United People's 2 Freedom alliance UCPF - Up-Country Peoples Front RJP - Ruhunu Janatha Party 2 POLICE UNPMawanella - United National 1 Party NC - National Congress LF - Left Front 23 INDI - Indipendant Group

JVPRabukkana - Janatha Vimukthi 2 Peramuna NPP - Natinal Peoples Party SLPF - Sri Lanka Progressive Front 2 PNG - Party Not Given UNA - United National Alliance JSP - Jathika Sangwardana Peramuna CWC - Ceylon Workers Congrss Ruwanwella 1 1 ELMS - Eksath Lanka Maha Sabha MLF - Muslim Liberation Front SMBP - Sinhalaye Mahasammatha Bhoomiputra Pakshaya Yatiyantota 2 24

Kegalle Dis.101000000000000000001416 Total 164000000000000000001425 GRAND TOTAL 3351000000000000010079Sabaragamuwa & North Central 56– PC Election 2008 CMEV 80

Offences Report (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008

Major Incidents Minor incidents Remarks Total # of

Threat & Major Damage to Election Minor Misuse of State Firearms Abduction Poll.. Related AREA / OFFENCE Murder Att. Hurt Griev. Assault Resources Robbery Arson Mischief Threat Others Incidents Involved Intimid. (Total) Property Offence (Total) North Central Murder Hurt A 'pura East 0 1 11 A' pura West 000 Horowpathana 000 Kalawewa 13 4 1 151 Kekirawa 1 1 1 12 Medawachchiya 0 1 11 Mihintale 0 2 22 Anuradhapura Dis. 00001 4 0 000 5 00 1 5061110 Polonnaruwa 0 1677 Medirigiriya 0 1 11 Minneriya 0 5 55 Anuradhapura Dis. 00000 0 0 000 0 10 0 12013 13 00 Total 00001 4 0 000 5 10 1 17019 24 10

Sabaragamuwa Balangoda 000 Eheliyagoda 000 Kalawana 0 1 11 Kolonna 0 1 11 Nivitigala 000 0 1 11 Palmadulla Rakwana 000 Ratnapura 0 4 44 Anuradhapura Dis. 00000 0 0 000 0 01 0 607700 Aranayaka 0 1 11 Deraniyagala 000 Dadigama 000 Galigamuwa 000 Kegalle 0 2 22 Mawanella 1 1 2 23 Rabukkana 1 101 Ruwanwella 000 Yatiyantota 3 3033 Anuradhapura Dis. 00002 3 0 000 5 00 0 5051030 Total 00002 3 0 000 5 01 0 11012 17 30 GRAND TOTAL 00003 7 0 000 10 11 1 28031 41 40

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 81

Category of Offences Carried Out by Each Party (Cumulative Figures) Date: 23/08/2008

Major Incidents Minor Incidents Att. Misuse Of Firearms Poll., Grie. Threat & Major Damage to Election Minor GRAND Perpetrators Murder Hurt Assault state Robbery ArsonAbduction Mischief Threat Others (Total) (Total) TOTAL Murder Hurt Intimidation Resources Property Offence Involved Related UPFA 25 7 111416232 UNP 0444 JVP 01 1 1 UNA 000

ELMS 000

USP 000

UCPF 000

NC 000

NPP 000

JSP 000

MLF 000

RJP 000

LF 000

CWC 000

SMBP 000

POLICE 0111

INDI 000

EO 0666

CMEV 000

PNG 12 3 3 362 TOTAL 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 0 10 1 1 1 28 0 31 41 4 0

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 82

Alleeged Offences - Election Related 23/08/2008

Firearms Seizing Polling Ballot Box Elec.Official Party/Offences Ballot StuffingSys. Imper Sml.Scl. Imper Poll.Agt Related Att Stuffing & Imper Intimid. Presense Ele.Mtr Related Total Cards Voter Related Related Related Involved UPFA 113 4 110 UNP 1 1 JVP 0 UNA 0 ELMS 0 USP 0 UCPF 0 NC 0 NPP 0 JSP 0 MLF 0 RJP 0 LF 0 CWC 0 SMBP 0 POLICE 0

INDI 0

0 CMEV EO 1 1 PNG 2 1 3 TOTAL 0 0 2 1 1 4 0 0 0 5 2 15 0

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 83

Geographic Spread of Offences - Election Related 23/08/2008

Seizing Polling Poll.Agt Ballot Box Elec.Official Att Stuffing & Intimid. Election Off Ele.Mtr Total # of Ballot Stuffing Sys. Imper Sml.Scl. Imper Voter Related AREA / OFFENCE Cards Related Related Related Imper Presense Related Related Incidents

North Central Province A 'pura East 0 A' pura West 1 1 Horowpathana 1 1 Kalawewa 1 1 Kekirawa 0 Medawachchiya 0 Mihintale 0 Sub Total Anuradhapura 00 1 0 100 0 0 1003 Polonnaruwa 2 1 3 Medirigiriya 0 Minneriya 1 1 Sub Total Polonnaruwa 00 1 0 020 0 0 1004 Total 00 2 0 120 0 0 2007 Sabaragamuwa Province 0 Balangoda 1 1 Eheliyagoda 0 Kalawana 1 1 Kolonna 0 Nivitigala 0 Palmadulla 0 Rakwana 0 Ratnapura 0 Sub Total Ratnapura Dis 00 0 1 010 0 0 0002 Aranayaka 0 Deraniyagala 2 2 Dadigama 0 Galigamuwa 1 1 Kegalle 0 Mawanella 0 Rabukkana 1 1 Ruwanwella 1 1 Yatiyantota 1 1 Sub Total Kegalle Dis 00 0 0 010 0 0 3026 Total 00 0 1 020 0 0 3028 GRAND TOTAL 00 2 1 140 0 0 50215

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 84

Tabulations of Party Affiliations of Perpetrators and Complainants Date: 23/08/2008

UPFA UNP JVP UNA ELMS USP UCPF NC NPP JSP MLF RJP LF SLPF CWC SMBP POLICE CMEV INDI Elec Off PNG TOTAL Complaints by UPFA against 1 12

Complaints by UNP against 8 311

Complaints by JVP against 9 2 3 14

Complaints by UNA against 0

Complaints by ELMS against 0

Complaints by USP against 0

Complaints by UCPF against 0

Complaints by NC against 0

Complaints by NPP against 2 2

Complaints by JSP against 0

Complaints by MLF against 0

Complaints by RJP against 0

Complaints by LF against 0

Complaints by SLPF against 0

Complaints by CWC against 0

Complaints by SMBP against 0

Complaints by POLICE against 1 1

Complaints by INDI against 0

Complaints by CMEV against 13 4 115 24

Complaints by PNG against 1 1 2 TOTAL 335 10 0 0 0 00000 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 9 56

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 85

Graphs

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 86

TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS BY TYPE (239) INCIDENTS BY DISTRICT

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 87

INCIDENTS BY DISTRICTS ALLEGED PERPETRATORS OF VIOLENCE

140

120

100 UPFA

UNP POLONNARUWA ANURADHAPURA 80

JVP 60 PNG

40

20

0 UPFA UNP JVP PNG

RATNAPURA KEGALLE

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 88

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CMEV wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and support extended to it by the Commissioner of Elections and the Department of Police. We also wish to thank to DIAKONIA and NORAD for their financial assistance without which the election monitoring would not have been possible.

We highlly appreciate the dedication and the commitment of the CMEV monitors. Their efforts ensured the success of the monitoring exercise.

CMEV, as always, acknowledges with gratitude the support annd solidarity of our fellow citizens which underpins our civil society contribution to protecting and strenngthening the integrity of the electoral process in Sri Lanka.

DR.P. SARAVANAMUTTU MR. U. KALUPATHIRANA MR. SUNIL JAYASEKARA CO – CONVENOR. CO – CONVENOR CO-CONVENOR

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 89

Photographs of incidents

Bus with a UPFA poster Vehicle belonging to Priyaranjana Rathnayake, Party leaflets scattered on the road outside a National Party’s candidate, allegedly damaged by Polling Station. Prabath Weerasinghe, son of G. Weerasinghe and supporters. Kekirawa Polling Division, North Central Province.

Damaged vehicle in the incident in which UNP candidates Ranjan Ramanayake and Dunesh Gankanda were assaulted by supporters of UPFA candidate Atula Kumara Rahubbadda. Gallella, Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa province.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 90

UPFA Party office, Maradankadawala Attack on JVP vehicle bearing the number 56-2218 in front of the Polling Station No 27, Pinnawala Road, Kekirawa, North Central Province, Central College, Rambukkana, Sabaragamuwa, allegedly by supporters of UPFA Chief Ministerial allegedly damaged by UNP supporters. candidate Maheepala Herath.

Shop belonging to a UNP supporters set on fire in Madatugama, Kekirawa, North Central Province.

Sabaragamuwa & North Central – PC Election 2008 CMEV 91