22 August, 2008 - Published 15:22 GMT

PAFFREL, CaFFE differ over violence

The ‘independent’ election monitors in Sri Lanka have expressed completely different predictions over Saturday’s Provincial Council (PC) elections.

PAFFREL, told journalists in Colombo that the police have taken steps to assure free and fair elections for the North Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

PAFFREL chairman, Kingsley Rodrigo, said 21,000 policemen and army have been deployed to provide security for the polls to be held on 23 August.

Polls 'free and fair'

Mr. Rodrigo however admitted that the government ministers were misusing public property including ministry vehicles during the election campaign.

“That happens during every elections. You can’t stop ministers using official vehicles,” he said.

The PAFFEREL statement was, however, categorically denied by another monitoring mission, CaFFE.

CaFFE spokesperson, Nimalka Fernando, told BBC Sandeshaya that there are reports that both parties are getting prepared for a very violent election.

Especially in areas where there is considerable Tamil population, she said, armed groups have been intimidating the voters.

Groups 'armed with bombs'

Militant group turned political party, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) widely known as Karuna faction, is contesting the polls together with the ruling coalition.

“Groups armed with bombs are already staying in several lodges,” she said.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has, meanwhile, denied accusations that police are institutionally biased towards the ruling party.

In a meeting held with representatives of political parties, IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne has categorically denied the accusation by opposition parties and media campaign groups.

Police ‘impartial’

The police chief also failed to arrest the controversial minister Mervyn Silva, despite three orders by the court to arrest him.

Leader of the United Socialist Party, Siritunga Jayasuriya, told BBC Sandeshaya that the police chief himself was the plaintiff and the accused at the meeting.

“The IGP took much of the time to explain and deny the accusations than listening to our concerns on Saturday’s elections,” he said.

The party representatives were told by the IGP to file formal complaints when they brought to his attention that the ruling party is still keeping the cut outs and campaign offices violating elections laws.

However, Deputy Inspector of Police (DIG), Gamini Navaratne has told the delegates that the police would take action to remove the said offices and cut outs before the end of the day.