While the Election Commission (EC) is awaiting a response from Prime Minister and Minister of Local Governments Dinesh Gunawardena to their request for a meeting to discuss the situation which has arisen regarding the upcoming Local Government (LG) elections, the Premier's Office stated that a positive response would be given in this regard to the EC soon.
The EC stated last week that they had requested Gunawardena for a meeting to discuss matters pertaining to the LG elections, including the procurement of necessary funds and the possibility of paying salaries to public servants who are contesting the LG elections.
When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether they had received any response to the said request, EC Chairman, Attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa said that they are yet to receive a response from the Premier.
Gunawardena's Media Secretary Lalith Rohana, when contacted by The Daily Morning, said: “The Premier is having a busy schedule this week. He will be giving a positive response to the EC soon.”
Meanwhile, speaking in the Parliament last week, Gunawardena said that he expects to summon the EC members in the coming days, to discuss the uncertainty which has emerged regarding the LG elections. “When we summon the EC members, there may be allegations that we are attempting to interfere in its affairs. I do not know if all EC members will accept my invitation too. However, I hope to discuss this matter with them,” the Premier said in response to a question raised by Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Although the LG elections were scheduled to be held on 9 March, the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry and the general Treasury had not released the required funds to the EC. The EC then rescheduled the LG elections to 25 April, and the postal voting to yesterday (28), today (29), tomorrow (30) and 31 March and 3 April, 2023, but the required funds are yet to be released. Against this backdrop, the EC, following a meeting with the secretaries of political parties on 23 March, had decided to postpone the postal voting related to the LG elections, once again.