The display of posters for the presidential election has already begun, causing not only environmental pollution but also a violation of election laws.
According to Article 74 of the Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981, the display of flags, banners, posters or other campaign material in private or public spaces for election campaigning purposes, from the date of nominations, which is August 15 for the Presidential, until the day after the polling, is not allowed. Such displays are only permitted on vehicles owned by candidates.
Furthermore, under Article 74, any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable, after a summary trial before a magistrate, to a fine not exceeding one hundred rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or both. The law also empowers the police to remove such posters, cutouts, and banners displayed in violation of the regulations.
According to Channa de Silva, the Media Coordinator of the Election Commission, the police will be empowered in the coming days to remove posters, banners, and cutouts erected in Colombo.
Compared to previous years, there is a noticeable shift in election campaigning from traditional methods like posters and cutouts to online and digital platforms. Many candidates and parties are now conducting their campaigns through electronic and print media, utilizing Meta (Facebook) and Google advertisements. The reduction in the use of printed campaign materials presents a positive, environmentally friendly aspect, according to Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies.
