Govt. delaying polls due to dwindling voter base: MP Lakshman Kiriella 

• Says Govt. is attempting to delay elections not due to lack of funds but due to lack of votes 
• Claims any persons obstructing the holding of polls will be violating the constitution
• Expresses belief that people will give clear message to Govt. and the International community in the upcoming LG election

SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella

Samagi Jana Balawe-gaya (SJB) MP Lakshman Kiriella says the Government is reluctant to hold polls as its voter base is dwindling. 

“They are attempting to delay elections, not due to the lack of funds but because they have no votes,” he said. 

The MP said while the Government is attempting to delay polls through the courts as well, he is confident in the courts as it has always refrained from issuing judgements favouring the postponement of elections. The MP made these comments at a press conference held at the opposition leader’s office in Colombo yesterday. 

“The whole country is keen on the Local Government elections. No one can postpone them now,” he added. 

The MP said if anyone is obstructing the holding of elections, that person or persons are violating the constitution of the country.  “If the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance claim we do not have the necessary funds they too are violating the constitution as according to it these state agencies cannot withhold funds necessary to hold polls,” he said adding that he believes the SJB along with other groups will take legal action if necessary.

The MP said delaying elections will also further delay any International aid that would be forthcoming. 

“Even the IMF when it first visited Sri Lanka asked the Government to obtain a fresh mandate,” he said, noting that other countries such as Bangladesh have been able to secure financial support ahead of Sri Lanka despite applying for it much later. The MP said given the country’s situation he believes the people will give a clear message to both the Government and the International community. 

“Through this, it is expected that a general election will be called as if not International aid will be delayed if the International community feels the Government has no mandate,” he noted. 

Also speaking at the press conference MP Kavinda Jayawardena said despite SLPP politicians claiming they are prepared to face elections no knowledgeable citizen would vote for the party once again.  He said while the party has failed to submit nominations for Negombo, however, they have submitted several nomination lists as independent parties.  “Many in the list are former SLPP councillors,” he revealed, adding that the SLPP is attempting to fool the voters. Jayawardena said the SLPP are unable to face the people and therefore are struggling to face an election. 

The MP said the SJB has commenced its election campaign and will also reveal to the people the wolves in sheep’s clothing within the independent groups contesting in the upcoming poll.