EC asked if President’s CoS can function as national organiser of a political party ?

Journalist Lasantha Ruhunage has requested the Election Commission to inquire into former UNP MP Sagala Ratnayake’s role in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s presidential election campaign.

In a letter dated March 23, 2024, addressed to EC Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayke, Ruhunage has pointed out that as the President’s Chief of Staff (CoS) Sagala Ratnayake cannot campaign in his current capacity as a public servant.

The ex-Public Security Minister addressed the inaugural UNP presidential polls rally held at Kuliyapitiya on 10 March 1. Referring to the relevant Constitutional provision, Ruhunage has questioned the EC whether a public servant who didn’t enjoy such political rights could also function as the National Organiser of the UNP.

Ruhunage told The Island that the EC was yet to respond to his letter.

In his letter to EC Chairman Ratnayake, Ruhunage has urged the Commission to look into President Wickremesinghe’s declaration at the Kuliyapitiya meeting that benefits of Aswesuma social security scheme would be doubled.

Ruhunage said that it would be the responsibility of the EC to ensure a level playing field for all political parties at the forthcoming national election. (SF)