Following an invitation from the Commissioner of Elections of Sri Lanka, the European Union has established a mission to observe the forthcoming Parliamentary elections scheduled for 17 August 2015.

Mr. Cristian Preda, a Romanian member of the European Parliament, is the Chief Observer of the EU EOM.

"It is a great pleasure to be here in Sri Lanka and lead the European Union Election Observation Mission to this country. I hope that our presence will contribute to the efforts of the Sri Lankan authorities and civil society for a strengthened democratic process", said Mr Preda.

The observers of EU EOM to Sri Lanka will be deployed to all nine provinces, where they will be meeting government and electoral officials, candidates and representatives from political parties~ They will also meet with civil society and the media They will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process based on a long-term observation and a methodology developed by the EU over many years. This analysis will include aspects such as the legal framework, the work of the election administration, the role of State institutions and civil society, the campaign activities, the conduct of the media, the voting and the counting, the complaints and appeals process and the announcement of the results.

The purpose of this mission, independent from any EU institutions or State members, is to offer an impartial assessment of the elections according to the Sri Lanka law, as well as to the international and regional standards for democratic elections and to prepare technical recommendations as a contribution for the debate on electoral reform.

The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the election day and a final report will be published later. The members of the mission will remain neutral and abide by the EU election observation code of conduct and Sri Lanka laws.

Pics - Roshan Chathuranga