UNP says beach sports festival may affect election in Hambantota

The Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Sajith Premadasa has written to the Elections Commissioner seeking a solution for a problem regarding local government elections in Hambantota where an international beach sports festival is to take place next month.

Premadasa points out that the South Asian Beach Sports Festival that is to commence on 8 October, the same day the election for 23 local government bodies are to be held, will be advantageous for the ruling party.

He also points out that polling centres of Hambantota Municipal Council are in close proximity to the venue of the South Asian Beach Sports Festival and the arrangements of the festival will affect the voters.

Premadasa also says that the government earlier postponed the elections to this Municipal council and several others in the district due to World Cup Cricket matches held at the Suriyaweva Stadium.

Sri Lanka is to hold the first South Asian Beach Games in the southern city of Hambantota from 8 – 14 October.

Authorities expect nearly 1,000 athletes and other sports personnel representing SAARC countries to flock to the area to participate in the festival. (Colombo Page)