The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) issued a warning against any attempts to delay the upcoming Presidential Election, asserting that such moves which are allegedly part of the Government's strategy to avoid holding the said Election, should not be taken lightly.

This statement follows a fundamental rights (FR) petition filed by businessman C.D. Lenawa, seeking an order to prevent the announcement of the Presidential Election date until the Supreme Court provides its interpretation on the matter. The petition requests an interim order to halt the Presidential Election within the scheduled period until the Court delivers its ruling on the appropriate date for the next Election. 

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday (4), the PHU leader, Opposition Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila emphasised the gravity of these attempts, claiming that no one should undermine the efforts made by certain parties to sabotage free and fair elections. He highlighted parallels to the postponement of the Local Government (LG) Elections, where a purported supporter of the Governing party had filed a petition, which was initially overlooked by many. 

“Many people did not pay necessary attention, claiming that it would not be possible. But finally, the argument placed by the particular petitioner was also endorsed by the Government. Consequently, to date, the LG Polls have been postponed,” Gammanpila elaborated. 

He stressed that the PHU would take necessary actions to counter any similar attempts to delay the Presidential Election. “We will take necessary actions to defeat such attempts,” Gammanpila affirmed, stating that the PHU is committed to ensuring that the said Election is held as scheduled.

However, the President's Media Division, issuing a statement on behalf of the President, stated yesterday that the President believes that the term of the President should be five years. Accordingly, the statement asserted that the Presidential Election will be held this year.