Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Act 2009 · As enacted
3. Amendment of section 8 of the principal enactment
Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.
Official translationFrom Department of Government Printing, unchanged
Section 8 of the principal enactment is hereby repealed and the following section substituted therefore:—
8. (1) It shall be the duty of the Secretary of every recognized political party to submit to the Commission a copy of the Constitution of such party together with a list of the office bearers of such party and a copy of the political programme of such party—
in the case of a recognized political party referred to in subsection (2) of section 7, within three months from the date of coming into operation of this
Act; and
in the case of any other recognized political party, within three months from the date on which such party is entitled to be treated as a recognized political party under paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section 7.
Every recognized political party shall hold a general meeting once a year or as specified in the Constitution of the party. The procedure to be followed at such meeting shall be specified in such Constitution.
Where a recognized political party amends its Constitution or changes its office bearers, the Secretary of such party shall, before the expiry of a period of thirty days from the date of such amendment or change, inform the Commission in writing of such amendment or change.
“Recognized political parties to comply with certain requirements.
A copy of the annual statement of accounts of every recognized political party audited by a registered auditor shall be submitted to the Commission.
Every recognized political party shall be entitled to State assistance as provided for in the relevant written laws applicable to the conduct of elections.
(a) For the purpose of exercising the powers conferred on the Commission under this Act, the Commission may by notice in writing require the Secretary of any political party to furnish such information specified in the notice issued, pertaining to such political party or to produce any document as shall be specified therein, within such period as shall be specified in the notice.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary of any political party who is required by notice to furnish any information under subsection (1), to comply with those requirements within the time specified in such notice, unless such
Secretary is precluded from divulging such information under the provisions of any written law.
Any person shall, on payment of a prescribed fee to the Commission have the right to call for and refer to the Constitution of a political party and on payment of the prescribed fee shall have the right to obtain a certified copy of such Constitution.
Commission may issue from time to time a Code of Conduct to be observed by political parties and candidates during elections.
The Commission may from time to time issue such general or special directions to the political parties, a person or body as may be necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the provisions of this section and section 7.”.