By Akitha Perera
Dates on which elections are to be held must be mentioned in the Constitution, Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP, Eran Wickramaratne, says. He told the media at the Opposition leader’s office on Thursday:
“Some elections can actually be held on the same day. If the dates for elections are written in the Constitution, politicians will not be able to manipulate the dates for their own gain,” he said.Wickramaratne said that the cost of holding a Local Council election, i.e. 10 billion rupees, is peanuts, compared to the overall government expenditure for 2023.
“The government expenditure for 2023 is 7,900 billion. What is 10 billion, compared to 7,900 billion. Those who claim there is no money for elections are trying to deprive people of their fundamental rights,” he said.
Wickramaratne said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the United National Party (UNP) are not ready to face an election. Thus, they are trying out various stratagems to postpone elections.
“Recently, the Cabinet ordered district secretaries not to accept deposits for the election. They had to recall it due to public outrage. There is a continuous attempt to convince people that the Elections Xommission is divided. I urge the government not to undermine democracy because nothing good can come out of it,” he said.