Tuition posters are more than election posters: CEJ

While saying that the use of posters, banners and cut-outs during this election period has remarkably and considerably decreased by at least 80% in comparison to previous elections, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) said visibility of tuition posters and banners are more than elections posters and banners.

CEJ Executive Director Hemantha Withanage told Daily Mirror that all the political parties should be appreciated for their endeavour to carry out their election campaigns using fewer posters and banners.

“Several reasons must have led to the incidence where fewer posters and banners were being used by the respective presidential candidates,” Withanage said.

“We have noticed that this situation had arisen due to the reasons like elections laws being very strict, the ban of polythene and the environmental policies of the respective candidates,” Withanage added.

Moreover, he said among the adverse impacts of displaying posters and banners at unusual places was visual pollution, obscuring scenic views and decline in the prestige of the area due to their bright colours.

“The CEJ moved the Court of Appeal in 2009, filing case No. C. A. 135/2009 seeking an order in nature of a writ of mandamus against the Police and the Central Environmental Authority compelling them to formulate regulations on displaying banners, posters, and hoardings,” Withanage said.

He commented that should also be taken into consideration. (Sheain Fernandopulle)