Sri Lanka considers invalidating 2023 Local Government poll nominations

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to investigate the potential invalidation of nominations for the postponed 2023 Local Government elections.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardena, revealed that the government has already sought legal counsel from the Attorney General on this issue. During a media briefing, Gunawardena responded to questions from journalists regarding the government's intentions to hold the Local Government polls before the upcoming Presidential election.

Dismissing such reports, Minister Gunawardena clarified that the possibility of nullifying the Local Government poll nominations was a topic of discussion at the recent Cabinet meeting held on Monday. 

“This matter was considered in light of various concerns raised by government employees who had submitted their nominations,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the need for the Attorney General's guidance on the issue.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe has directed that discussions be held with the Attorney General, political parties, and the Election Commission to potentially schedule the Local Government elections for the following year.