(UTV|COLOMBO) – Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya says the Commission will take measures to prevent the use of places of worship to promote political activities during the General Election period.
Elections Chief Mahinda Deshapriya and a group of officials attached the Commission today called on the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters.
Speaking to media following the meeting, Mahinda Deshapriya said according to provisions in the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, voters cannot be unduly influenced ahead of an election by staging rallies to promote political parties or individuals.
He said therefore all religious leaders will be notified of the concern before the Acceptance of Nominations.
The Chairman of the Election Commission added through District Secretaries all leaders of religious institutions will also be notified of the matter.
He said the Commission launched the initiative by conveying the message to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters.
While emphasizing the need to prevent the use of places of worship for electioneering activities, Mahinda Deshapriya noted that the Commission will not in anyway prevent the rights of Buddhist monks and the clergy to engage in politics.
Chairman of the Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya also requested religious leaders to prevent the use of places of worship to stage media briefings.