Independent election observers say that the distribution of bottles of toddy to a large number of plantation workers who participated in the political campaign rallies of two presidential candidates recently is a serious violation of the election law.
Manjula Gajanayake, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Election Studies, said that many complaints have been received from estate managers that their workers are given free bottles of toddy during campaign rallies, and that they are inferior to the quality of alcohol.
He further said that distribution of alcohol during an election campaign rally is a violation not only of the election law but also of the National Tobacco and Alcohol Authority Act.