Political activities not allowed at religious places, events – Elections Chief

The Election Commission has decided to inform all religious leaders of the need to prevent the use of religious places for election campaigning, says its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya.

Article 79 of Parliament Elections Act (No. 1 of 1981) prohibits holding political meetings at religious places and campaigning for elections at religious events, the elections chief said further.

However, this does mean the clergy does not have political rights and this does not restrict the clergy from speaking at political meetings, Deshapriya said further.

Deshapriya made these remarks speaking to the media after visiting the chief prelates of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters this morning (03).