President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has assured that the government will not postpone elections, stating that the Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be held as scheduled, while the Provincial Council elections will be conducted as soon as existing legal obstacles are resolved.
The President made these remarks yesterday (06) at public rallies held in Bulathsinhala and Beruwala in the Kalutara District, marking the first phase of the “Two Years of Our Government. A Better Future for the Country” rally series.
President Dissanayake said the Provincial Council elections would be held immediately after Parliament reaches agreement on an electoral system.
He rejected allegations that the government was attempting to delay elections to retain power, stressing that the government has no intention of deceiving the public or holding on to power against their wishes.
“We place our trust in the people at all times,” the President said, calling on the public to further strengthen the National People’s Power (NPP) at the grassroots level and contribute to what he described as a historic journey to rebuild the country.
The President also said the government would introduce the necessary constitutional amendments to ensure that those responsible for wrongdoing are punished without undue delay.
“If a wrong has been committed, there is no point in punishing someone only after many years. Punishment should be imposed while the incident is still within public memory,” he said.
He further stated that the government would proceed with the proposed constitutional amendments without fear and would not reverse decisions taken in the interests of the people.
President Dissanayake also said that once the determination relating to the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution is received, it would be presented to Parliament for approval, after which steps would be taken to punish those responsible for corruption.
