Govt. plans to hold Provincial Council elections ‘as soon as possible’

The government intends to hold the Provincial Council elections as soon as possible, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated.

Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Department of Government Information today (25), Minister Jayatissa stated that if parliament enacts the necessary legislation and the delimitation process is completed within this year, funds have already been allocated to conduct the elections.

The Minister made these remarks in response to a question regarding a recent statement by Parliamentarian Nilanthi Kottahachchi, who claimed that the Provincial Council elections would not be held.

Minister Jayatissa further emphasized that an election cannot be held without the necessary legal framework and, therefore, the required legislation must be enacted by Parliament without delay.

“It is the government’s intention to hold the Provincial Council elections as early as possible. If parliament provides the necessary legislation and completes the delimitation process within this year, funds have already been allocated, and we will conduct the election,” he said.

“There is no intention to refrain from holding the Provincial Council elections. A parliamentary committee has been appointed, and the relevant process must be carried out through that committee. An election cannot be conducted without the necessary legal framework. Therefore, the required legislation must be passed by Parliament promptly,” the Minister added.