Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Wednesday, 3 June 2020 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Nuwan Senarathna
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said the Supreme Court’s decision has protected the people’s franchise and welcomed Parliamentary Elections being held as soon as possible.
Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told Daily FT that the SLPP will support the Election Commission to hold a free and fair election to protect the democratic rights of all citizens. He noted the party’s view of the Supreme Court’s decision was that it is “a victory for the citizens.”
“We are happy to hear the Supreme Court’s decision. The Opposition used various tactics to postpone the election. They use the COVID-19 outbreak as an excuse and said it is not safe to hold the election. However, the Supreme Court has announced their decision and soon the election will be held,” he said.
He noted the SLPP as a party also wanted to protect the people’s franchise and democratic rights of the citizens. According to Ranatunga, the Opposition attempted to postpone the election due to the rift between the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).
“The UNP and SJB are well aware their division will cost them at the election. Therefore they filed a case, hoping they will be able to postpone the election. Now the EC’s responsibility is to hold the elections as soon as possible.”
He noted the SLPP will be able to form a stable Government after the election and create the environment for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to continue his vision to develop the country.
