The Election Commission will request the Acting Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne to grant candidates the opportunity to engage in political activities fulltime until the conclusion of the Parliamentary Election if arrested, as there are only 14 days till the election date.
After taking into consideration a request by former Ministers Rishad Bathiudeen and Ravi Karunanayake, the Election Commission made a request to the Acting IGP in writing to suspend summoning former Ministers, who are contesting the election to the Police in connection to the Easter Sunday attacks and the controversial Central Bank bond issuances, till the conclusion of the General Election.
The Acting IGP in response had informed the Election Commission that he hopes to conclude investigations pertaining to the Easter Sunday attacks promptly, and requested the Commission to instruct Bathiudeen to assist in investigations by recording statements with Police when summoned.
Speaking during a media briefing Chairman of the Commission Mahinda Deshapriya however said he hopes to direct another letter to the Acting IGP today, in response.
Deshapriya said the Commission discussed the Acting IGP’s letter during a meeting, adding that they will seek legal advice, discuss facts further and respond to the Acting IGP.
(newsradio.lk)