Sri Lanka's election monitor People's Action For Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has asked Elections Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya to take appropriate action against Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya, President of the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), for attending a political event.
PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi has pointed out that Dr. Padeniya attending the launch event of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's election manifesto would have an indirect impact on the membership of the Government Medical Officers Association.
PAFFREL Executive Director noted that media has reported Dr. Padeniya participating in the event and it has been observed that he was seated in the front row.
While there is no obstruction for an association to hand over proposals to presidential candidates, attending a political event of significance is a direct involvement in politics, the election monitor said.
(Mirror)