SJB calls on EC to fix dates for local Government elections 

• Says party appreciates commissioners assurances on holding elections
• Claims SJB will take steps against Govt. if it attempts to further delay polls 
• Reminds EC it must protect the sovereignty of the people 

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has written to the National Election Commission of Sri Lanka calling on the latter to fix dates for local Government elections immediately. 

In a letter to Commission Chairman Attorney-at-Law Nimal Punchihewa, the SJB’s General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara pointed out that Punchihewa himself on several occasions confirmed that the Commission has the necessary provision under the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act, No. 1 Of 2016 to call for local Government elections after 20 September and it would take necessary steps to hold elections accordingly. Maddumabandara said the SJB is appreciative of this stance of the commissioner. 

Maddumabandara noted that the tenure of local governments has elapsed by four years and the Subject Minister has already extended it for another year according to powers vested in him. 

He said the SJB as the main Opposition will take necessary steps if the Government continues to prevent the holding of elections through various means thereby violating the people’s sovereignty.  Maddmabandara, noting the Commission will be able to call for elections after 20 September, asked it to fix dates and make the necessary preparations to hold the local Government elections in a free and fair manner which will protect the people’s rights and their sovereignty.