The Election Commission said that the Supreme Court ruling regarding the postponement of the Local Government Elections will not affect the holding of the upcoming Presidential Election, which will proceed as planned.
The Commission accepts the Supreme Court’s ruling and will take the necessary action to comply with the Court’s instructions, Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake, addressing the media, following the Supreme Court decision, said the Commission will review the full determination upon receipt and subsequently decide on the next steps for the election process.
Responding to allegations of political influence affecting the Election Commission’s actions, Ratnayake refuted these claims, emphasising that the Commission has made every effort to conduct the election under the current circumstances.
“The Election Commission has worked diligently to hold the Local Government Elections within the designated timeframe. The issue arose due to a lack of allocated funds, not due to any misconduct by the Commission. We exhausted all possible avenues to hold the election on time,” he said.
Ratnayake further noted that the Supreme Court’s decision would bolster the authority of the Election Commission and other independent bodies moving forward.
“Although we were named as respondents in the petitions, we welcome the outcome, as this ruling will strengthen the independent commissions and enhance their authority,” he added.
(ceylontoday.lk)
