Police have provided tight security to Sri Lankan Election Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake after his house was besieged by a mob on Tuesday demanding his resignation over the printing of security stickers on ballot papers even as most of the political parties have pledged solidarity with the EC.

The commissioner informed police but not a solitary cop turned up until, in sheer desperation, he called up the defence secretary who acted swiftly to send a top police team. Law enforcement officers then escorted him to his office while police guards were stationed at his residence.
Tuesday’s dramatic events came as the commissioner was embroiled in a controversy with the government over printing of security stickers to be pasted on poll cards. The commissioner, in a statement, said that he acted well within his powers to ensure a fair election but politicians have accused him of acting illegally and in a suspicious manner.
This is the first time that a government is in open conflict with the EC. Under the constitution, the government cannot fire the commissioner without parliamentary approval. Meanwhile, a number of political parties have come out in support of the EC's position to print secret stickers to ensure a free and fair election. However, Minister S B Dissanayake criticised the move saying it was done without government consent.

Bureau Report