A conflict has taken place between Bishop of Colombo Rt. Revd. Dhiloraj Canagasabey and Election Commission member Prof. S. R. H. Hoole over the Annual Report of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon. Prof. Hoole accuses the church of violating Article 78 (2) of the Presidential Elections Act.
In a letter addressed to the Bishop, Prof. Hoole pointed out the annual report consisted of elements that can be deemed politically biased. During the meeting (Oct 22) where the said report was discussed several members, including Prof. Hoole’s nephew, voiced politically skewed statements. These, he explained, could influence voters.
After the meeting, Prof. Hoole has proceeded to handover the annual report to Additional Commissioner of Elections, Legal and Investigations, B. P. C. Kularatne who in turn has written to Bishop Canagasabey stating “the Election Commission has observed that there is some political content in the Committee Report which can be used as a promoting tool of a political party or a candidate. It is in violation of the Election Law”.
In his reply to Kularatne’s letter, addressed to the Commissioner General, Elections Commission, the Bishop said the report was intended for “private circulation only” and he was not able to understand how its content has violated Election Laws as accused.
He added, “Our Church consists of believers of different ethnicity from all parts of the country, who speak different languages.
It is obvious that such persons would have diverse political views.” He explained that in this setting no political propaganda can be discussed or permitted to be discussed.