Election Commission says no authority to intervene in SLFP disputes

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has stated its lack of legal authority to mediate in the internal conflicts within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). 

Following a meeting on Thursday, April 18, commission members examined documents submitted by factions within the SLFP regarding recent changes in party leadership positions.

On April 8, during a politburo meeting chaired by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, incumbent Vice Chairman MP Nimal Siripala de Silva was appointed Acting President, while MP Duminda Dissanayake was named General Secretary. 

These appointments came in the wake of a Colombo District Court order restraining former President Maithripala Sirisena from functioning as SLFP chairman, following a complaint by Kumaratunga. The court order has been extended until May 9.

MP Dissanayake submitted documents regarding these appointments to the Election Commission, with objections filed by the SLFP's Acting General Secretary Sarathi Dushmantha Mithrapala challenging them. 

However, upon review, the Election Commission concluded that it lacks the legal mandate to intervene in the party's internal disputes. Commission members emphasized that such matters should be resolved through the courts, as the commission is not authorized to intervene under existing legal frameworks.

While unable to address the internal crises of political parties, the Election Commission clarified its role in accepting nominations for SLFP candidates in the event that internal conflicts persist beyond the declaration of elections.