(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The National Election Commission informed the Supreme Court today that all necessary arrangements have been made to hold the local government (LG) elections.
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, representing the Chairman of the Election Commission and its members, made this notification, when the apex court considered a petition filed by retired Army Colonel WMR. Wijesundara against holding the LG elections
This petition was called today before the Supreme Court Bench consisting of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices S. Thurairajah and Janak de Silva.
The lawyer representing the petitioner requested permission to present the amended petition in relation to this fundamental rights petition.
Accordingly, the Supreme Court, which allowed the petitioner to submit an amended petition, ordered to call the petition again on the 18th.
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris representing the Chairman and members of the Election Commission, stated before the court that the Attorney General has informed that he will not appear on behalf of the Election Commission.
Accordingly, President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris informed the court that the chairman and other members of the commission have instructed him to represent themselves on behalf of the election commission.
Meanwhile,, when the relevant petition was called, lawyers also appeared on behalf of several parties including lawyers Sunil Vatagala, Eranga Gunasekara, Pafferal Organization who submitted interim petitions requesting that it be rejected.
The petitioner claims that there is a huge economic crisis in the country, so it is inappropriate to hold the local government polls at this time.
Therefore, the petitioner has requested the Supreme Court to issue an order suspending the conduct of the Local Government election.
