The main Parliamentary Opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) proposed to the Government to hold the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections on the same day in order to reduce the related expenditure.

Speaking in a press conference held at the SJB head office, SJB Parliamentarian Harshana Rajakaruna said that the SJB is ready to support if any new legislation should be passed in this regard. He also said that this proposal would reduce the cost of Elections at a time when the Government is postponing Elections claiming that the country is not in a position to make such expenditure. He also said that not only the SJB but also the entire nation is looking for a complete change of regime, and that therefore, it is suitable to hold both the said Elections on the same day. He added that such action would be helpful in electing a new Executive and a Legislature at the same time. “This Government is postponing Elections from time to time. Even though the President assured that both the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections are to be held next year, no one can trust him. The Government says that they don’t have money to hold Elections. That is why the SJB proposes to the Government to hold both the said Elections on the same day. It will reduce the cost and the SJB is ready to support,” he said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in the Parliament last week that both the Presidential and General Elections are scheduled to take place next year. President Wickremesinghe also stated that the Provincial Councils and Local Government Authorities Elections could be expected in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told the media last week that the forthcoming Presidential Election is slated to take place on a date between 16 September and 17 October 2024. He also stated that the specific date for the Election would be decided and officially announced in July (as per the two months’ advance notice prior to the commencement of the stipulated Election period).