To create a responsible political culture in Sri Lanka Parties should publicize its election manifestos well in advance: PAFFREL

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana

The political parties should publicize its election manifestos well in advance of any election, be it a Presidential or Parliamentary poll, to create a better and responsible political culture in the country, the PAFFREL said yesterday.
What is actually happening in Sri Lanka right now is the political parties presenting their policy statements merely a month or so in advance of an election, thus the public will get no chance to build a fruitful discussion on them.
Executive Director PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi made these remarks addressing a programme held in Colombo yesterday to build awareness on creating a responsible political culture by encouraging political parties to present responsible and timely policy statements.

People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) summoned representatives from political parties, civil society organisations, state sector officials as well as representatives from the media for a public discussion.
There, a range of obstacles had been identified and discussed how and why the political parties in Sri Lanka have failed to present a credible and realistic election manifesto throughout history.

The manifestos should be presented at least six months prior to any election, but what is happening right now is publicizing them even after the nominations were handed out, Hettiarachchi said.

Parliamentarians Dallas Alahapperuma, Prof. Charitha Herath, Prof. Tissa Vitharana and many others were present.