Speaking on behalf of the opposition, Madduma Bandara said that a minor amendment could be submitted to Parliament and passed with a simple majority to enable the elections under the previous system. He expressed hope of presenting the proposal at the first meeting of the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with investigating the Provincial Council elections.
The MP highlighted that the government, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, has the ability to expedite the elections and that the opposition is ready to provide necessary parliamentary support. He also noted that funds for conducting the elections have already been allocated in the national budget.
Madduma Bandara stressed that several Provincial Councils have not held elections for over five years, resulting in paralyzed governance and disruption of public services. He specifically cited problems in provincial schools and health services, emphasizing that citizens continue to suffer due to the administrative delay.
“The government has a strong responsibility to resolve these issues by holding the Provincial Council elections without delay,” he said, adding that the opposition will continue advocating for urgent action.
The Parliamentary Select Committee, chaired by Vijitha Herath, is scheduled to convene in the near future to examine the electoral system under which the upcoming elections will be held.
