Main opposition asks Sri Lanka Elections Commissioner to ensure voting rights to the displaced

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) today asked the Elections Commissioner to ensure that the displaced persons in the North are given the chance to exercise their franchise at the forthcoming local government polls.

UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya told a press conference that the Commissioner should ensure that about 10,000 persons displaced from the North who are currently living in Puttalam should be given the chance to cast their votes in a free and fair manner.

Jayasuriya also charged that some high ranking police officers are influenced by politicians.

Citing an example, Jayasuriya said that while blue flags representing the governing party are allowed in certain areas, the green flags have been taken down.

He said that the Elections Commissioner should call on the state institutions to respect public opinion.