Parliament should arrive at a decision whether Local Government Elections should be held at this challenging period for the country, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said.
Observing that timely elections are necessary to safeguard the democracy, the former Speaker however said that there are divergent opinions in society with regard to conducting the LG Elections at this moment.
“One faction wants the LG Elections to go ahead and another faction says that there is no money for them. However, the LG Elections cannot topple the Government. Some say it is appropriate to hold a General Election or a Presidential Election instead of the LG Elections. It is Parliament that should discuss these opinions and arrive at a decision,” he commented.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court is also to pronounce a decision related to the LG Elections on February 10.
The former Speaker yesterday called on Malwathu Chapter Chief Prelate Most Ven.Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddartha Sumangala Thera and Asgiri Chapter Chief Prelate Most Ven.Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera to obtain their blessings after he received the “Sri Lankabimanya” title.
Commenting on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, the former Speaker observed that it is a part of the Constitution, but that the Buddhist monks harbour an opinion that it could lead to separatism. “All Party Leaders should come together and discuss such fears and doubts, and then educate the Maha Sanga. National and religious unity as well as political unity are necessary to take this country forward. At least a temporary political truce is important at this critical juncture” he added.
