The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has written to the National Election Commission of Sri Lanka calling on the latter to fix dates for local government elections immediately.

In a letter to Attorney at Law Nimal Punchihewa, Chairman of the commission, the SJB’s General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara pointed out that Punchihewa himself on several occasions confirmed that the Commission has the necessary provision under Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 1 Of 2016 to call for local government elections after September 20 and it would take necessary steps to hold elections accordingly. Maddumabandara said the SJB is appreciative of this stance of the commissioner.

Maddumabandara noted that the tenure of local governments has elapsed by four years and the subject minister has already extended it for another year according to powers vested in him.

He said the SJB as the main opposition will take necessary steps if the government continues to prevent the holding of elections through various means thereby violating the people’s sovereignty.

Maddmabandara, noting the commotion will not be able to call for elections, asked the commission to fix dates and make the necessary preparations to hold the local government elections in a free and fair manner which will protect the people’s rights and their sovereignty.