Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dismisses Rumors: Presidential Election On Track

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena says that the Presidential Election will take place as per the constitution, and there is no room within democratic governance to create issues in the country by making baseless statements.

Speaking to reporters in Colombo, the Prime Minister said that the stance of the government is that the Presidential Poll will take place, and the Election Commission has also declared that the poll will be held between September and October this year.

He said that matters that were never discussed within the government are being spread, and such baseless statements should not be used to create issues in the country.

On Tuesday (28) UNP General Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara, has presented a proposal to postpone both the presidential and general elections by a span of two years.

In his statement, he emphasized that if circumstances warrant, this proposal can be formally submitted to the parliament, paving the way for a referendum.

Speaking to reporters in Colombo, the UNP General Secretary highlighted a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s history. The nation faced economic adversity, but resolute measures were taken to steer it away from the brink. These efforts yielded significant victories.

“We have regained international trust, stabilized the economy, and provided relief to our citizens,” he asserted. Administrative reforms have streamlined governance, and the education system has returned to normalcy.

Range Bandara attributed these achievements to the current President’s leadership.

He underscored that the country’s current needs do not align with an immediate Presidential or Parliamentary election. Instead, he called upon all members of parliament to rally behind a proposal: extending the current President’s term by two years (or potentially five), along with a corresponding extension of the current parliament’s tenure.

Range Bandara urged unity across party lines, including opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s support. Additionally, he emphasized that during these challenging times, a prudent approach would be to defer both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections by two years, with the option of a referendum if deemed necessary.

At the same time, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has consistently championed the rights of the people, said its General Secretary Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam following a statement by the UNPs General Secretary to extend the tenure of the presidency, and the parliament.

"We recall our unwavering stand during the previous local government election postponement—when we took to the streets to uphold the citizens’ right to vote," said the MP

He said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna never deprived the people of their voting rights, and the party'scommitment to timely elections remains steadfast.

Kariyawasam said that the SLPP firmly opposes any postponement, emphasizing that elections should occur as scheduled.

The people deserves the opportunity to choose their leaders. We believe that through the electoral process, our party and its candidates will emerge victorious, serving the nation decisively, he added.