On October 16, Chairman of the Elections Commission (EC) Mahinda Deshapriya in a press conference stated that the reference of war or war crimes cannot used by any party or group during the Presidential Election campaign, reports Colombo Page. He said that the parties have already been warned regarding its usage prior. Referring to an advertisement published in a newspaper by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa using a statement from the current Army commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Deshapriya condemned the use of Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva's image and endorsement in the advertisement. He warned further action would be taken against the army commander for violating election law if the latter did not clarify his stance on the issue.