Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka asks local government authorities to obey poll laws

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRSCL) has advised all local government authorities to obey election laws, saying it will be compelled to take legal action against violators.

In a communique to all local government officials, the Chairman of the HRCSL, Justice Priyantha Perera, said all commissioners and secretaries of local government authorities in their capacity as public officials have the responsibility to act according to the election laws.

"The 2015 Presidential election is due to take place on 8th January and propaganda activities in that connection are being conducted at present. As public officials it is your responsibility to act in conformity with election laws, the Constitution of Sri Lanka and other laws in force," the Lanka Page quoted the HRCSL, as saying.

The commission said in terms of international human rights standards and the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka the right of people to vote, to engage freely in political activities and the right to a free and fair election have been declared and recognized.