All presidential candidates are required to submit their campaign financing reports, detailing income and expenditure, within 21 days after the presidential election. Failure to do so will result in legal action, the Chairman of the Election Commission, Saman Sri Ratnayake, announced yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Government Information Department, Ratnayake emphasized that under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, all candidates, including the winning candidate, are obligated to submit their campaign financing reports. If they fail to comply, their position and civic rights may be revoked following legal proceedings.
He further explained that lawsuits will be filed by the police through the Attorney General’s office if false information is provided or if the report is not submitted within the 21-day timeframe after the election.
Ratnayake also noted that the Election Commission has set a cap on campaign expenditure at Rs. 109 per voter.
In response to a question, he added that ministry secretaries are responsible for preventing the misuse of public property during election campaigns and must ensure that such practices do not occur.
