In a meeting with the departing New Zealand High Commissioner, Michael Appleton, the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, Mahinda Amaraweera, announced today that the Sri Lankan government has made a definitive decision to conduct one of the two major elections, either the presidential election or the general election, by October this year.

Minister Amaraweera emphasized the significance of 2024 being an election year, urging his ministry officials to expedite the implementation of all development projects, considering the limited timeframe until October.

Speaking to the New Zealand High Commissioner, Minister Amaraweera said, "I advised my ministry officials that 2024 is not twelve months away." He emphasized the need for prompt action in order to meet the development targets set by the government.

The announcement comes as political anticipation and speculation had been building regarding the timing of the upcoming elections.