By Chitra Weerarathne
The Elections Commissioner’s Department is equipped with the latest devices, capable of detecting, fraudulently introduced ballots, the Commissioner of Elections, Dayananda Dissanayake, has stated in his answer, filed in the Court of Appeal, in reply to a Writ application filed by the Chairman of the UNP, Karu Jayasuriya.

When this Writ application was called before the Court of Appeal yesterday, the Deputy Solicitor General, A. Gnanathasan, explained to the Court of Appeal, that the Commissioner of Elections, Daya-nanda Dissanayake, has decided to allow one counting agent from each party, to cross the security barrier and go along with the ballot box, to the counting centre. This particular counting agent will remain with the ballot box, from the close of the poll, till the counting begins at 8 p.m.

The D.S.G. also explained that the Commissioner of Elections, has informed him that the Elections Department is equipped with devices, to check fraudulent insertion of votes into the ballot boxes, sometimes even if it exceeds the number of persons registered to vote.

The petitioner, Karu Jayasuriya of the UNP, has requested the Court of Appeal to direct the Commissioner to ensure the fairness of the poll by keeping ardent watch over the movement of the ballot papers and the ballot boxes.

Tilak Marapana P.C. who appeared for the petitioner, said that the counting agent should remain along with the ballot box till the next day.

A. Gnanathasan, the D.S.G. said that he will discuss the issue with the Commissioner and tell the court today.

Tilak Marapana suggested that the ballot boxes should be wrapped up on all sides and sealed likewise on all sides.

Mr. Gnanathasan said that the boxes will be tied up on all sides and sealed duly.

The Commissioner of Elections Dayananada Dissanayake and the acting IGP T. Anandarajah were both present in Court when proceedings resume today.

Tilak Marapana PC appeared with Upul Jayasuriya, Dulinda Weerasooriya, Lakshman Perera Ronald Perera, and Janaka Marapana for the petitioner, Karu Jayasuriya.

The Deputy Solicitor General A. Gnanathasan with State Counsel A. R. M. Ameen appeared for the respondents, the Elections Commissioner, the IGP and the Attorney General.

Mr. Marapana said that he appreciated the steps taken so far by Dayananada Dissanayake, the Commissioner of Elections, and the Acting IGP A. Anandarajah.

The Bench comprised Justice Asoka de Silva.

Proceedings to resume yesterday.