“If the dates of the elections are changed, there may be turmoil in the country,” said the Mahanayake of the Asgiri sect, Most Reverend Varakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Nahimi. He made this statement during a visit by Member of Parliament Prof. G. L. Peiris to the Asgiri Maha Vihara, representing the Samagi Jana Sanandhana.
The Chief Prelate emphasized that changing election dates is unnecessary. Prof. G. L. Peiris, speaking at the event, stated that the Constitution specifies the President’s term of office as five years, a fact confirmed by the Supreme Court in two judgments.
The Prelate further remarked that the government should enable the Election Commission to fulfil its role. He criticized some governors for appointing former local government body chairmen as their representatives to gain political advantage, noting that the Election Commission has been informed of this issue.
Prof. Peiris underscored that citizens of a democratic country should know the timing of the next election and have the freedom to choose their leaders through a free election. He also mentioned that the current President is not elected by the people but is serving the remainder of Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s term.
Reverend Medagama Dhammananda Nahimi, Secretary of the Asgiri faction, commented that politicians often create crises, putting people under severe pressure and leaving them despondent. He urged politicians to focus on improving people’s lives rather than engaging in power struggles and mutual insults.
Rev. Dhammananda concluded that holding elections according to the constitution and the people’s wishes is appropriate.
