Sri Lanka opposition alleges violation of election norms

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's opposition party today launched 'Black Book' listing the alleged violation of election laws by public servants in favour of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and warned that these officials will be firmly dealt with.

"We have launched a Black Book to list violations by public servants to help incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa. We will publish the names of the violators and make sure that all foreign missions in Colombo are kept informed by way of a newsletter every week," United National Party (UNP) media chief Mangala Samaraweera said.

The main opposition charged that state officials are flagrantly violating election laws and misusing state resources to help Rajapaksa who will face the Presidential elections on January 8.

"Most of these crooked officials want to send their children abroad to study. That is why we want to ask foreign missions to ensure that even the family members of these black-listed officials are not granted visas," Samaraweera said.

The media chief read out a list of retired military officers who have been tasked to campaign for President Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa had called the election two years ahead of schedule in an apparent attempt to seek a fresh mandate before his party's popularity tumbles further, after dropping over 21 per cent in September's local elections.

The joint opposition has mounted a strong challenge on him by fielding a unity candidate in Maithripala Sirisena who has defected from the ruling coalition.