EC Suspends President Subsidy Decisions Ahead of General Election

The decision, made over the weekend, aims to maintain fairness among candidates as the country approaches a general election.

Election Commission member M.A.P.C. Perera emphasized that the subsidies, including a Rs. 25,000 increase in the fertiliser subsidy for paddy farmers and a fuel subsidy for fishermen, could unfairly advantage the ruling party. 

He stated, "Such policies could prejudice other candidates," leading to the conclusion that these initiatives would only be implemented post-election.

This decision follows President Dissanayake's directive on September 26 to enhance support for farmers and fishermen, originally part of a broader governmental policy framework. 

Former minister Kanchana Wijesekera noted the continuity of subsidy programs initiated by previous President Ranil Wickremesinghe, underscoring the significance of these measures in agricultural support.

As the EC seeks to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the suspension of these subsidies reflects a commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. The measures will be revisited after the election, pending the outcomes of the electoral process.