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| Sunday, 29 February 2004 |
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Election campaign on General Election 2004, which saw history being created when the Jathika Hela Urumaya decided to field only Buddhist Monks on its ticket, has another history-making unique feature in the form of an all women group contesting the Colombo district. The 23 women who submitted their nominations under the Jathika Janatha Party on Tuesday is part of the 87 female candidates contesting the election. The group will be campaigning for 30 per cent nominations for women at every election on district basis and 50 per cent representation on the National List of all major political parties. According to the Election Commissioner's Department, 24 recognised political parties and 192 Independent groups have handed over their nominations, which ended on the noon of February 24. While the 24 recognised political parties have fielded 3361 candidates, the 192 independent groups have fielded 2337 candidates. A total of 5698 candidates will vie for 196 seats in the 13th Parliament of independent Sri Lanka. Colombo district with 17 recognised political parties and 11 independent groups has the highest number of parties contesting the election. A total of 644 candidates will contest for 20 seats. The next highest number of candidates, 475, come from Kurunegala district and will vie for 16 seats. In Digamadulla district, 27 independent groups have fielded 410 candidates, the highest number at any election. Fourteen political parties will contest the Digamadulla district which has been allotted seven seats. A former UNP strongman in the North Central Province, from Post and Telecommunication Minister A.M.S. Adhikari, who failed to get the UNP nomination, is contesting as an independent candidate. Although General Anuruddha Ratwatte's name is not included in the UPFA National List, reliable sources claim the former Minister will be given top priority when it comes to naming the MPs of the National List. Apart from the Buddhist Monks contesting under the Jathika Hela Urumaya banner, Ven. Baddegama Samitha is contesting from the UPFA and a few Buddhist Monks have submitted their nominations to contest as independent candidates. It was reported that some who claimed to be Devagathis (Servants of God) have given their nominations as Independent candidates to contest Puttalam district. (EW) |
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