LG polls under old system – majority agrees to Anura’s proposal

December 3, 2016

The local government election that is due shouldn’t be postponed but could be held according to the preference system and then a new electoral system could be introduced said the Chief Opposition Whip and the Leader of the JVP Anura Dissanayaka in Parliament today (3rd). A majority in the Parliament agreed with the proposal.

Mr. Dallas Alahapperuma, Parliament from the Joint Opposition, who stood up while Mr. Dissanayaka was making his proposal said he agrees with Mr. Dissanayaka.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) too agreed with the proposal and the Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said if majority of parties in Parliament agree the proposal could be considered.

However, none from the SLFP expressed its preference for the proposal and Mr. Anura Dissanayaka’s main complaint was when there is an opportunity to adjust provisions to hold the election according to the old system SLFP wants the election to be postponed so that it could settle its internal contradictions when the election is held.

Mr. Anura Dissanayaka said his party would boycott elections if the election is held using a distorted electoral system and complained that plans are being drawn to remove all other political parties except the two main parties from politics. Mr. Anura Dissanayaka said in Parliament that the new electoral system is to be introduced to consolidate power of the two main parties and the government has plundered the right of the people to elect their local government councils by not having elections.