EC said that false information was being circulated on social media specially Fb and YouTube. Election commission have sent a letter to the Secretary to the Public Security Ministry Viyani Gunathilaka, requesting that such incidents be looked into and for necessary actions to be taken."
He noted that despite efforts to have such social media posts removed, some individuals continued to flout the law by reposting the images and posts.
NC chairman asked citizens to not treat their sovereignty as a commodity by supporting unlawful posts via social media
Urges public to rely on mainstream media for results, and requests media outlets to only announce official results verified by EC
Election commission chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake also said that any violations of election laws during the silent period will be thoroughly investigated by the EC,
"The silent period is in effect now. We have clearly informed what is allowed and what is not during this period. If anyone is acting in violation of those provisions, we will take immediately action." he said.
The Presidential Election to elect the ninth President of Sri Lanka is scheduled to be held tomorrow (21). The Election campaigning activities concluded at midnight on 18th and the period up to the time of the Presidential Election has been declared as a silent period.
All Election campaigning activities are strictly prohibited during this period, while the Police are designated with the authority to arrest any individuals who violate the Election laws.
Sri Lanka Police Spokesman and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) NihalThalduwa revealed that 464 election-related complaints were received as of yesterday, including 148 criminal offences and 316 related to election law violations. He said 108 suspects had been arrested and 14 vehicles seized during investigations.
He also detailed efforts of 1,500 labourers employed temporarily to remove illegal election posters, cut-outs and banners. “A total of 662,676 illegal posters and banners have been removed with over 1,600 illegal cut-outs also confiscated.”
Police spokesman said security measures on Election Day will include the deployment of two police officers at each polling booth and large teams under Senior Superintendents of Police at the 51 counting centres. In addition, roadblocks and riot squads will be on standby.
“A central operations centre at Police Headquarters along with provincial operations centres will coordinate efforts to maintain law and order,”
DIG Thalduwa also said CID led Cyber Crimes Unit is also watching all election violations.
