The Election Commission has affirmed the completion of preliminary arrangements necessary to conduct the presidential election. However, confidential sources within the government have disclosed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe conveyed to the Cabinet of Ministers and the Election Commission that no election will occur before July, citing the ongoing country’s debt restructuring programme under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) until that time.
Nonetheless, the Constitution mandates the Presidential Election to be held within this year. Recent reports suggested the possibility of the presidential election taking place between late September and early October this year.
In parallel developments, a member of the Election Commission disclosed that Rs. 10 billion has been earmarked from the budget for conducting the elections this year. Additionally, all Assistant Election Commissioners have been apprised of the preparatory activities required to facilitate the election process.
Amidst these deliberations, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has urged the President to prioritize the general election before the presidential election. Should this be pursued, the general election would need to be held before August.
Source – adaderana.lk
