Ballot paper printing not yet started?
Although the distribution of postal ballots should commence on February 15, the Government Printing Department sources said that not a single ballot paper has been printed so far.
Meanwhile, an official of the Election Commission has informed a senior official of the Government Press that he will complain to the court if the ballot papers are not printed.
It is reported that there was an argument in this regard during a discussion held last Friday between Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake and the Government Printer.
The Election Commission has not made any payment for the printing work done so far to the Government Press.
It said the printing of ballot papers should be commenced since the Supreme Court has given an order to go ahead with the election.
Lies of the Election Commission
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has informed the divisional secretaries and politicians that the printing of ballot papers has commenced.
Stocks of paper have been allocated for printing of ballot papers, computer designs (artwork) have been completed but no ballot papers have been printed so far.
It has been the tradition for the election commission to settle the payments required for printing of ballot papers once the election has been held.
However, it is reported that only part of the money given by the Treasury and the candidate’s bail money has been sent to the government press.
“Rs.40mn given to print ballot papers which is enough only for 10 districts”
A trade union member of the government printing department has told the media that an inquiry has been made from the Attorney General asking if ballot papers should be printed on Friday.
“The press has still not received an answer. The printing will commence tomorrow once the Attorney General gives his opinion,” he said.
A number of government officials have been called by the Elections Commissioner General to discuss holding the election on credit terms, but none of them have attended the meeting.
It is against this backdrop that certain media have reported that the postal voting will not be held as planned on February 22, 23, 24 due to the lack of financial allocations for the poll.
Enough paper and ink for the election!
Meanwhile, it was reported that the reports published in some media that the government press does not have necessary paper and ink for the printing works related to the local government elections are false.
As ballot papers are printed using paper with security watermarks only in a presidential election and a general election, 80gsm normal white paper is used for the printing of provincial council and local government elections’ ballots papers. The government printing department has more than enough such paper and ink, it was reported.In this situation, a printing department official emphasized that there is no need to buy paper and ink immediately for local government election activities.
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The National Election Commission said on Monday (13) that the Government Printer has stated that if funds are not provided ballot papers will not be printed, posing a fresh hurdle to the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled to be held on the 9th of March.
There was no immediate comment from the Government Printer.
Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the government of attempting to prevent the elections from being held, while government officials have continuously stated that there is a shortage of funds for the elections due to the country’s economic situation.
There is also a case currently before the Supreme Court with regard to the elections that has been scheduled to be taken up on the 23rd of February.
(newsfirst.lk)
The Cabinet today (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation.
Accordingly, the Cabinet has also approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being.
It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to retired government employees waiting for their rightful benefits since April 2022.
The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment are also taking important steps to address malnutrition and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups in the country. As part of this effort, measures have been taken to continue providing critical assistance to those in need, including:
• Monthly allowance for pregnant mothers,
• Monthly stipend to those facing food insecurity and the elderly and disabled,
• Financial assistance to kidney patients,
• And for granting Samurdhi relief, without hindrance.
Harsha Ilukpitiya, the Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department in a statement via the Department of Government Information requested those who have booked appointments to obtain a passport on Tuesday (14) to report to the Department on Wednesday (15).
He added that those who booked appointments for Wednesday (15) are requested to report to the Department on Thursday (16).
Further, those who booked appointments for Friday (17), are requested to report to the Department on Saturday (18).
The statment further noted that the passports for applications submitted on Monday (13) will be issued after 12 noon on Tuesday (14).
Those who cannot visit the Department and obtain the passport will have thier passports sent by courier to their residences.
(newsfirst.lk)