EU to provide Euro 1.2 million for polls work

The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Transparency International Sri Lanka have signed a project with a financial envelope of Euro 1.2 million. The 18 month initiative aims at supporting the upcoming Parliamentary Elections through various activities such as voter education and election observation.

As an integral part of the project, support and training will be provided to Community Based Organisations and Civil Society Organisations on how to register as voters with particular focus on marginalised groups including the Tamil community in the western province and plantation areas.

Other activities also include widespread dissemination of democratic concepts such as freedom of expression, of association, of privacy, of Press, and most importantly political freedom of the individual, government, media and election related stakeholders like political parties, trade unions, women organisations, through meetings, open debates, media reports, and cultural activities.

Speaking on the occasion, David Daly, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives said “The support we provide falls within the context of a broader, ongoing dialogue and co-operation between the EU and Sri Lanka in the field of strengthening democratic processes and good governance. The EU is committed to supporting Sri Lanka in its work to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections.” (Colombo Gazette)