Fresh divisions have occurred within the government over holding the much-delayed Provincial Council elections in early 2021.

Many prominent figures within the ruling camp, including some leading Buddhist monks, have told President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa not to hold the PC election until a new Constitution is introduced. Informed government sources said Medagoda Abhayathisa Thera, a prominent Buddhist monk supporting the government, had raised the matter with President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera, a close ally of President Rajapaksa, has specifically stated that he supports the abolition of the Provincial Council system.

The President’s allies in the government are of the view that the PC system is not a rational way of devolving administrative powers as it was forced upon Sri Lanka by India in 1987.

However, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and SLPP National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa are pushing for the PC elections as early as possible. When Prime Minister Rajapaksa met the newly appointed members of the National Elections Commission, he asked them to fast-track the process with regard to the PC election.

Elections Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa said in a recent interview that the government would have to spend approximately Rs. 4.5 billion to hold the Provincial Council election early next year. He added the cost could be reduced if both the PC and Local Government elections are held on the same day.