President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that local government elections are planned to take place before the upcoming Sinhala New Year. He further revealed that a bill enabling the recall of nominations for this purpose has already been drafted.
Speaking to the media after receiving blessings from the Malwatte and Asgiri Maha Na Theros earlier today (20), the President elaborated on the government’s position regarding the elections.
“Nominations for local government elections were called in March 2023. However, the political landscape has since changed significantly. Some alliances have dissolved, and the parties that existed at the time no longer remain the same. In light of these developments, we believe it is necessary to cancel the previous nominations and call for fresh ones. Accordingly, the Cabinet has recently approved the preparation of a bill to annul those nominations, which will be presented to Parliament in January. Once the process is complete, we will reopen nominations and ensure the elections are conducted before the Sinhala New Year,” the President stated.
Additionally, President Dissanayake addressed the delays in holding Provincial Council elections, citing numerous challenges. He assured that measures would be taken to conduct those elections within the coming year.
