Colombo (LNW): The government expresses readiness to conduct overdue Provincial Council elections contingent upon opposition consensus on the electoral system, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition members advocating different systems, he emphasised the need for a unified agreement, citing proposals for elections under both old and new systems, as well as a constituency-based approach.
“Opposition MPs are making a different proposal on the system under which the Provincial Council elections are to be held. We can hold the elections if they agree on the system under which the Provincial Council elections are to be held,” Gunawardena told the Chambers today (28).
He added: “Some Opposition members say the Provincial Council elections should be held under the old system and others under the new system. A constituency system is also important. No party has come to an agreement at the select committee on the Provincial Council elections.”
Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella and SJB MP J.C. Alawathuwela expressed their party’s preference for the old system and willingness to support an amendment aligning with that approach.
