SJB calls for Parliamentary Polls 

• Chief Opposition Whip says time is up for current Govt. 
• Blames current PM for delay in electoral reforms 
• Says SJB will not support tax reforms unless Govt. discusses them with Opposition 

Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella

Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Lakshman Kiriella said his party is demanding a Parliamentary Election be held as the current Government is well past its expiry date. 

Kiriella pointed out that various parties to the Government have left their fold now to sit with the Opposition instead. 

“The Government has split into several factions. At least three or four groups are now sitting with the Opposition. Therefore, the Government must understand that its time is up. Seek the opinion of the people through an election,” he said 

Kiriella made these comments at a press briefing held at the Opposition leader’s office in Colombo yesterday. 

The MP revealed that current Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena chaired the electoral reforms committee in Parliament for a decade but has failed to implement any reforms during this tenure. “He had enough time to make necessary reforms,” Kiriella said, pointing out how local Government member numbers increased during the time. “Now they are saying it must be reduced. We agree to this. However local Government elections cannot be delayed on the back of this,” he added. 

Kiriella said nevertheless a plan is now afoot to delay the elections. “We ask the Government to not resort to such cheap tactics and to hold elections as scheduled,” he said. 

The Chief Opposition Whip also slammed the Government over the proposed tax reforms claiming it is yet to discuss the proposals with the Opposition. 

“Despite failing to discuss with the Opposition, the Government is now seeking our support for the tax reforms. However, they are seeking to implement these new reforms following secret discussions with the IMF. They have continuously refused to table the agreement with the IMF in Parliament,” he said. 

Kiriella said the SJB will not support any Government proposal if it fails to hold discussions on the relevant matter with the Opposition. 

“The Government must remember that the majority is with the Opposition. The 22A was passed only because the Opposition extended its support to it. We, therefore, oppose any tax reform that is brought forward with necessary discussions in Parliament with the Opposition,” he said.