The Cabinet Spokesman has reaffirmed the Government's intention to conduct long-pending Provincial Council elections as soon as practicable, dismissing recent suggestions otherwise and emphasizing the need for legislative groundwork.
The Government remains committed to conducting Provincial Council elections at the earliest feasible opportunity, according to Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, he addressed recent statements questioning whether the elections would take place, clarifying that no decision has been made to abandon the electoral process.
Dr. Jayatissa outlined the procedural requirements that must be completed before voting can commence. He indicated that funds have already been allocated for the elections, but emphasized that Parliament must first enact the necessary legal framework and finalize boundary delimitation. According to his account, if lawmakers pass the required legislation and complete the delimitation process within the current year, elections could proceed thereafter.
The Cabinet Spokesman noted that a parliamentary committee has already been appointed to oversee this work and stressed the importance of moving forward without additional delays. He underscored that the electoral process cannot advance without the proper legal provisions in place, making legislative action essential.
The Provincial Council election process has faced prolonged delays as various stakeholders work through unresolved disagreements concerning the electoral system design and the delimitation of electoral district boundaries. Dr. Jayatissa's comments came in response to recent remarks by MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi suggesting the elections might not be held.