Sri Lanka’s Public Administration and Home Affairs Secretary Neel Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter ordering the District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the local government elections.
Election Commission said in a statement that the State Administration Secretary has been called to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.
Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has stated to the Election Commission that this letter was issued as per a cabinet decision and assuming the powers assigned to him, but after realizing that it was inappropriate, he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it.
He has said that he had no intention to interfere in the process of the Election Commission and has further stated that he only implemented a cabinet decision.
The Secretary has indicated that the bond acceptance process was not affected as he decided to recall it within an hour of sending the letter. He said that it became more clear the next day when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds.
Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for any inconvenience caused due to the letter.
