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A group deployed by the Commonwealth to observe the presidential election in Sri Lanka has called on stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to a “peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive” poll.

The Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), whose members are drawn from various Commonwealth regions with backgrounds ranging from political, electoral, civil society and human rights as well as legal fields, was invited by the Sri Lankan Election Commission to observe the 16 November poll.

The COG will receive briefings from relevant stakeholders including election management officials, representatives of political parties, civil society groups, the police, members of the international community and citizen and international observers.

In a statement, Chair of the COG, Mr Prosper Bani said: “As independent observers, we will remain objective and impartial in discharging our duties. The Group’s assessment will be its own and not that of any Commonwealth member country.

On Thursday, observers will deploy to various provinces across the country to observe preparations ahead of polling day.

Subsequently, they will observe the opening of polls, voting, counting and the management of results from election day until their departure from Sri Lanka on 22nd November.

The COG will issue an Interim Statement of its preliminary findings shortly after 16 November. The final report will be submitted to the Secretary-General and made available to the public afterwards

Sihinaye Swaraya (Dream Voice) is the first ever reality singing competition for Sri Lankans living in the USA and Canada. The competition is organized by the Boston Lanka Media Network and is currently gaining high popularity in both the USA and Canada.

The contest is carried out through Boston Lanka’s social media platforms and the episodes can be viewed on their Facebook page and Youtube channel.  For viewers in Sri Lanka, the contest can be watched on Charana TV (PEO TV – Channel 8) every Sunday at 8 PM.

Judges for the competition includes two prominent names from the Sri Lankan entertainment industry, Jagath Wickramasinghe and Indika Upamali along with Dr Arjuna Balasuriya from the USA. So far, the Top 40 contestants have been selected out of 80 contestants who competed in the first round.

The Guest judges; Sanjeewani Weerasinghe, Kithsiri Jayasekera, Saheli Gamage, Badrajee Mahinda Jayathilake and Dezmond Rodrigo will work with the main judges to select the Top 20 contestants in the second round.

One of Sri Lanka’s most popular celebrities and award winning actresses, Nehara Pieris will be hosting the show along with Dushan Dissanayake from Canada, Geethika Wickramasainghe from the USA and Mihiri Weerasinghe from the USA hosting the show in English.

The grand finale will take stage at the Royal Albert Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Rd, Fords, New Jersey where the finalists will be performing live. The Guest of Honor at the Grand Finale will be the Sri Lankan ambassador to USA Hon. Rodney Perera.