In a unanimous decision, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government has consented to the cancellation of nominations submitted for the upcoming Local Government Elections. This move comes in response to the challenges faced by candidates due to the postponement of the elections.

The decision was reached during the Ministerial Consultative Committee meeting held on September 20 in Parliament, chaired by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, who also serves as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.

The meeting addressed the difficulties encountered by field officials who intended to run for elections in their respective constituencies. Discussions also revolved around the status of amending relevant legislation to alleviate these challenges. Officials at the meeting highlighted that reverting legislation to its previous state would require a 2/3 majority and a referendum, as per instructions from the Attorney General.

Additionally, the committee reviewed the progress of streamlining the appointment of Secretaries to the Provincial Councils and the transfer of Divisional Secretaries in accordance with the service constitution. It was noted that due diligence should be exercised in placing provincial council government officials, with the Prime Minister emphasizing the importance of proper transfers for all administrative officers, including divisional secretaries.