The United National Party (UNP) has proposed a referendum aimed at postponing both the presidential and parliamentary elections by two years. This initiative, if passed, would allow President Ranil Wickremesinghe to continue his economic reform agenda without the interruption of imminent elections.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara emphasized the necessity of extending the President's term by at least two years. "If not five years, the President’s term must be extended by at least two years. The Parliament’s term must also be extended by two years without going for an election at this time," Bandara stated.
Bandara called on the main opposition parties, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the National People’s Power (NPP), to support this initiative, highlighting that it is not undemocratic if the process involves a parliamentary motion followed by a public referendum.
He stressed that the ongoing economic crisis demands stability and continuity in leadership. "It is futile to waste money with elections at this crucial time. I urge all MPs to consider this," he said.
Bandara argued that President Wickremesinghe’s reform efforts have already brought a degree of stability to the country and must be allowed to continue uninterrupted to ensure full economic recovery. He pointed out that similar measures have historical precedent, citing Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike's decision to postpone elections in the 1970s, and suggested that necessary legal amendments can be made if required.
