Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake says the Election Commission accepts the Supreme Court’s ruling on the postponement of the Local Government Elections.
Speaking to the media today, Ratnayake said that upon receiving the Supreme Court’s determination in full, the Election Commission will convene and take a decision on the next steps to be taken concerning the election.
Responding to allegations that the Election Commission had failed to carry out its duties due to political influence, Ratnayake refuted the claims, stating that the Election Commission had tried its best to find a way to hold the election under the presented circumstances.
Saman Sri Ratnayake reiterated that the Election Commission had continued to try its best to hold the Local Government Election during the specified period and that the issue had arisen when funds were not allocated for the election.
The Commissioner General of Elections pointed out the Supreme Court’s determination would further strengthen the powers of the Election Commission, as well as other independent commissions going forward.
His comments came after the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today ordered the National Election Commission to take measures to hold the postponed Local Government Elections, immediately.
The court also ruled that the fundamental rights of voters have been violated through the postponement of the 2023 Local Government Elections.
Issuing its verdict on the case today, the Supreme Court ruled that the President, as the Minister of Finance, and the members of the Election Commission had violated the fundamental rights of voters.
The Supreme Court issued the verdict after taking up for consideration the petitions that were filed by several parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), National Peoples’ Power (NPP), and the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), on the postponement of the Local Council polls.
The National Election Commission initially scheduled the Local Government polls for March 9, 2023, but later postponed them to April 25, 2023. However, the elections were not held after the government cited a lack of funds due to the country’s recovery from its economic crisis. (Newswire)
