Sri Lanka's Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has asked state media not to broadcast programs unfairly supporting incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is contesting for a third term at the upcoming presidential elections.
Deshapriya said his department has received several complaints from independent monitors that state media is openly favoring President Rajapaksa in violation of election laws.
The Election Commission, according to the Colombo Page, said in a letter to the state electronic media that it must stop all carrying of propaganda to promote ruling party candidates for the January 8 presidential polls is a hindrance to conduct a free and fair poll.
Deshapriya has asked the state run TV Rupavahini to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission on the conduct of media during campaigning.