LG Elections Set to Proceed After Bill's Passage

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Election Commission has been officially informed that the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill has been passed in Parliament with an overwhelming majority, without any amendments.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.

Professor Chandana Abeyratne, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, stated that the Speaker signed the bill last night, confirming its passage.

Following the official notification to the Election Commission, the necessary steps for conducting the Local Government elections will be undertaken by the commission.

During the third reading of the bill, it received 158 votes in favor, with no votes from the opposition, marking a significant milestone.

The Supreme Court had previously ruled that two clauses of the bill required a two-thirds majority in Parliament, as they were inconsistent with Article 12(1) of the Constitution.

The court's ruling emphasized that clauses 2 and 3 of the bill needed to be passed by a special majority as per Article 84(2) of the Constitution.