Sri Lanka

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Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws found in five main election statutes.

  • Source
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeSometimes
  • Comment

    Only the public funds. Cf. - (5) Every payment under this section shall be paid into the official bank account of the recognized political party within ten days from the last day of the nomination period.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 127 (5)

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Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
  • CodeYes, in relation to campaigns
  • Comment

    (1) Every recognized political party which qualifies under the succeeding provisions of this section shall be entitled to receive in respect of a General Election, financial by way of a grant from the State. (2) The first payment under this section shall be payable in respect of the first General Election to be held after this Act shall come into operation to any recognized political party which contested the General Election held in July, 1977 and polled not less than one per centum of the total number of valid votes polled at that General Election. (3) The grant referred to in subsection (1) shall be payable to any recognized political party in respect of an electoral district, if that party (a) has polled not less than one per centum of the total number of valid votes polled at the last preceding General Election; and (b) has submitted a nomination paper in respect of that district at the General Election in respect of which such grant is payable. (4) Every recognized political party which qualifies under subsection (3), shall, on application made in that behalf to the Commissioner by the secretary of such party, be entitled to receive a sum calculated at the rate of fifty cents per vote polled by such party in that district at the last preceding General Election. (5) Every payment under this section shall be paid into the official bank account of the recognized political party within ten days from the last day of the nomination period. (6) When any dispute arises in respect of the payment of the grant under this section, such dispute shall be referred to the Commissioner whose decision thereon shall be final.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 127
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeShare of votes in previous election | Registration as a political party
  • Comment

    (1) Every recognized political party which qualifies under the succeeding provisions of this section shall be entitled to receive in respect of a General Election, financial by way of a grant from the State. (2) The first payment under this section shall be payable in respect of the first General Election to be held after this Act shall come into operation to any recognized political party which contested the General Election held in July, 1977 and polled not less than one per centum of the total number of valid votes polled at that General Election. (3) The grant referred to in subsection (1) shall be payable to any recognized political party in respect of an electoral district, if that party (a) has polled not less than one per centum of the total number of valid votes polled at the last preceding General Election; and (b) has submitted a nomination paper in respect of that district at the General Election in respect of which such grant is payable. (4) Every recognized political party which qualifies under subsection (3), shall, on application made in that behalf to the Commissioner by the secretary of such party, be entitled to receive a sum calculated at the rate of fifty cents per vote polled by such party in that district at the last preceding General Election. (5) Every payment under this section shall be paid into the official bank account of the recognized political party within ten days from the last day of the nomination period. (6) When any dispute arises in respect of the payment of the grant under this section, such dispute shall be referred to the Commissioner whose decision thereon shall be final.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 127
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
  • CodeFlat rate by votes received
  • Comment

    (3) The grant referred to in subsection (1) shall be payable to any recognized political party in respect of an electoral district, if that party (a) has polled not less than one per centum of the total number of valid votes polled at the last preceding General Election; and (b) has submitted a nomination paper in respect of that district at the General Election in respect of which such grant is payable. (4) Every recognized political party which qualifies under subsection (3), shall, on application made in that behalf to the Commissioner by the secretary of such party, be entitled to receive a sum calculated at the rate of fifty cents per vote polled by such party in that district at the last preceding General Election. (5) Every payment under this section shall be paid into the official bank account of the recognized political party within ten days from the last day of the nomination period. (6) When any dispute arises in respect of the payment of the grant under this section, such dispute shall be referred to the Commissioner whose decision thereon shall be final.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 127 (3) - (6)
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment

    No pertinent laws in five election statutes. 

  • Source
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    (2) In the allocation of broadcasting time during the period referred to in subsection (1) to any recognized political party or independent group which makes an application in that behalf, the Director-General of Broadcasting shall ensure that each party or group shall be permitted to use (a) in the case of radio broadcasting, a total period not exceeding forty-five minutes which may be used on one occasion or on not more than three occasions and each such occasion shall not exceed fifteen minutes ; (b) in the case of television broadcasting, a total period not exceeding forty-five minutes which may be used on one occasion or on not more than three occasions and each such occasion shall not exceed fifteen minutes

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art 126 (2)
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
  • CodeEqual
  • Comment

    (1) Every recognized political party or independent group which has submitted a nomination paper in respect of any electoral district shall, subject to such conditions as may be determined by the Director-General of Broadcasting, be entitled, upon application made in that behalf within one week from the last day of the nomination period, to the use of broadcasting facilities during the period commencing from the day after the last day fixed for making such application and ending seventy-two hours prior to the commencement of the poll. (2) In the allocation of broadcasting time during the period referred to in subsection (1) to any recognized political party or independent group which makes an application in that behalf, the Director-General of Broadcasting shall ensure that each party or group shall be permitted to use (a) in the case of radio broadcasting, a total period not exceeding forty-five minutes which may be used on one occasion or on not more than three occasions and each such occasion shall not exceed fifteen minutes ; (b) in the case of television broadcasting, a total period not exceeding forty-five minutes which may be used on one occasion or on not more than three occasions and each such occasion shall not exceed fifteen minutes.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 126
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    (5) The broadcasting facilities under this section shall be used only by a candidate or candidates nominated by any recognised political party or independent group to contest an election under this Act. (6) No candidate shall, save and except as provided in this section, directly or indirectly use broadcasting facilities for the purpose of promoting his own election.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 126 (5) (6)
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), the secretary of a recognized political party or the group leader of an independent group whose party or group is contesting an election in an electoral district shall, at any time between the last day of the nomination period and the day which is the seventh day before the day of the poll to be taken at such election, be entitled to send free of any charges for postage to each elector whose name appears in the register of electors for such electoral district one postal communication by ordinary post containing matter relating to such election only. (2) The right to send a postal communication conferred ON a person by subsection (1) shall be subject to the following conditions, and if any such condition is not complied with, such communication may be rejected by the Postmaster-General or any person acting under his authority : (a) such communication shall be open for examination, and shall not exceed thirty grams in weight; and (b) the length and width of, and the manner of franking, arranging and handling, such communication shall be as determined from time to time by the Postmaster-General.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 125
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source

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Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    In the statutes that govern each level of election from local authorities to presidential have a clause on bribery that deals with ban on vote buying.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 80

    Presidential Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981, Art. 79
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeYes, for candidates
  • Comment

    My sense from the reading of the following clause is that a candidate is supposed to only use the airtime provided by Director-General of Broadcasting which automatically outlaws him/her from further expenditure on traditional advertising. cf - (6) No candidate shall, save and except as provided in this section, directly or indirectly use broadcasting facilities for the purpose of promoting his own election.

  • Source

    Parliament Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, Art. 126 (6)
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source

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Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    (4) A copy of the annual statement of accounts of every recognized political party audited by a registered auditor shall be submitted to the Commission.

  • Source

    Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 58 of 2009, Art. 3 (8)(4)
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment
  • Source
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment
  • Source
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeEMB | Auditing agency
  • Comment

    (c) The Secretary of a political party shall, at the time an application is made under paragraph (a), furnish to the Commission a copy of the Constitution of such party and a list of office bearers, an audited statement of accounts and the contemporary policy statement of such party.

  • Source

    Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 58 of 2009, Art. 3 (8)(4)
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeNo data
  • Comment
  • Source
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeDeregistration of party
  • Comment

    9. (1) Subject to subsection (2), where any recognized political party fails to comply with the provisions of section 8, such party shall cease to be a recognized political party.

  • Source

    Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 58 of 2009, Art. 5 (9)(1)

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