Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya requested state electronic media to cease broadcasting and telecasting of President Maithripala Sirisena's letter to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The request was made after considering two complaints filed by United People's Freedom Lawyers' Association and United People's Freedom Alliance Lawyers' Association. The Elections Commissioner also said that the issue was brought to his attention by UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha over the phone.

Deshapriya said that the broadcasting of the letter will have a negative impact on the election campaign of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.