Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The Election Commission has stated that arrangements will be made to hand over the reserved packets containing the registered postal ballot papers for 114 Local Government institutions to the Postal Department today (07). The Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Rathnayake, stated that, following the judicial process, necessary steps will be taken to distribute postal ballots to the remaining Local Government institutions. Meanwhile, Post Master General  S. R. W. M. R. P. Sathkumara confirmed that all preparations are in place to receive the packets containing registered postal ballots for the 2025 Local Government Elections. In response to a query by ‘Ada Derana,’ Sathkumara mentioned that the distribution of postal ballots will begin either this afternoon or tomorrow (08). Additionally, the Department of Government Printing stated that all postal ballot papers for all Local Government institutions have been printed. Government Printer Pradeep Pushpakumara further added that the relevant postal ballots have been handed over to the Election Commission.

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

The Court of Appeal today (07) issued a stay order preventing any further action in relation to the conduct of elections for several local government authorities, including the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). Accordingly, the continuation of activities related to holding the Local Government Elections in Colombo Municipal Council, Harispaththuwa, Panwila, Pathadumbara, Uda Palatha and Kuliyapitiya Pradeshiya Sabhas has been temporarily suspended through this order. This order was issued after granting leave to proceed with writ petitions filed by several political parties and independent groups, challenging the rejection of their nominations. Accordingly, the Court directed that objections to the petitions be filed on or before May 5. The petitioners were further instructed to file any counter-objections, if necessary, by May 7. During the hearing, the Court scheduled the hearing of the petitions for May 16, and ordered that the stay order will remain in effect until that date. The petitions have been submitted by political parties and independent groups seeking a declaration that the decisions made by the respective returning officers to reject their nomination papers—on the grounds that the submissions were not made within the prescribed time period—are unlawful.

Daily Mirror

Highly Factual

Colombo, April 6 (Daily Mirror) - A total of 74 fresh complaints related to the upcoming Local Government elections were received, taking the total number to over 600. According to the Election Commission, a total of 608 cases have been reported during the period from March 20 to April 04. Of the total complaints, the National Centre for Election Complaint Management received 71, while the District Centres for Election Complaint Management received 537. All complaints were categorised as breaches of laws, with four incidents of violence being reported.

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

All Secretaries of Ministries, heads of government institutions and statutory boards have been summoned for a special meeting at the Election Secretariat, Chairman of the National Election Commission R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said. The meeting has been scheduled to discuss the enforcement of the gazette issued in relation to the prevention of the misuse of state resources during the election period. Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake added that a number of Local Government Election related matters will be deliberated during the meeting to be held in the coming week. Meanwhile, a total of six complaints related to flouting of election laws have been reported across the country yesterday. According to Police, a complaint related to the misuse of state resources was also reported. The 2025 Local Government Election is scheduled to be held on 6 May.

Ada Derana

Highly Factual

A total of nine new complaints have been reported in relation to acts of violence and violations of election laws pertaining with the 2025 Local Government (LG) Election, according to Police. The Police Headquarters stated that the relevant complaints were received yesterday (06). A complaint related to verbally abusing an individual has been lodged with the Tissamaharama Police Station. Additionally, complaints related to flouting of election laws have been lodged with the Matugama, Baduraliya, Aluthgama, Kalutara South, Mulleriyawa, Kelaniya, and Ragama police stations. The Police Headquarters added that the complaints include holding motorcycle parades, promoting political parties through the launch of water projects, conducting ‘dansals,’ and illegally displaying posters and cutouts.