Several Opposition political parties have called on the National Election Commission to postpone the Local Government Election until after the April New Year.
Opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), made a written request from the Election Commission, citing various reasons.
Speaking to reporters today, SLFP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said that election campaigning activities will be affected as the 2025 Budget will be presented in Parliament this month.
He said the Budget proposal will take place for a period of one month from 17 February, concluding only at the end of March, which will affect their election campaigning activities.
“All members of the parties are from various parts of the nation and have to engage in election campaigning. It would not be possible for 66 opposition members as they will be required to attend the Budget debate, which will affect their election campaigning activities,” MP Jayasekera said.
Also speaking to the media, SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said it was essential to take into account the April New Year and the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations.
“The opposition has a lot to do during the Budget presentation, due to the adjournment debate. The opposition members will be required to attend Parliament sittings. Is the government attempting to block the opposition MPs in Parliament and conduct the election?” he questioned.
Stating that the opposition is not requesting to indefinitely postpone the Local Council Elections, MP Madduma Bandara said they are instead, calling on the authorities to postpone it by a few days, until the end of April. (Islandnews)
