|
|
|
| Sunday, 16 October 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Politics |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Religious leaders appeal for free and fair poll The prominent religious leaders in Sri Lanka Most. Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera, the Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis Archbishop of Colombo, All Ceylon Hindu Congress General Secretary Kandiah Neelakandan, All Ceylon Jammiyyatul Ulama General Secretary Shaiknn H. Abdul Nazar, Christian Church in Sri Lanka Bishop Rt. Rev. Dulip de Chickera have jointly issued a statement and appealed in connection with November 17 Presidential Election. The appeal of the religious leaders states as follows: "With the date of the Presidential Election already announced, we feel it necessary to call upon all candidates, all political parties, all media (both state and private), the Election Commissioner and the Police to ensure that we have a stable, violent-free and fair election where our people will choose their new President with dignity. "The last general election was undoubtedly an improvement on previous elections in recent memory but much more can still be done to ensure the protection of the democratic rights of our people. "We wish to urge the Election Commissioner to use all the powers at his command to ensure a free and fair poll. "The returning officers and the police must perform their duties without fear or favour. The democratic rights of our people are greatly safeguarded by the manner in which these public officials perform their duties: theirs is indeed a sacred responsibility. "We also urge the print and electronic media, both state and private, to exercise responsibility and fairness in their reporting. "They must avoid the temptation to be partial and one-sided in their coverage. "They undoubtedly will have their own views but they must follow the old journalistic ethic that comment is free but news-reporting must be fair and even-handed. "We request the general public not to be provoked or intimidated by anti-social elements who may want to disrupt a fair poll and deprive them of their franchise. "We would ask all voters to cast their votes early and spend the rest of the day in their work places or homes." |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
