• Says conducting elections could clash with national exams 
• Elections will cost Rs.10Bn
• Meets EC members on January 6, AG was also present

By Kelum Bandara 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have asked the members of the Election Commission whether they consulted all relevant sectors in deciding elections to the local authorities at this juncture.   

He called for a meeting with the members on January 6 and the Attorney General was also present. Asserting that the conduct of elections could clash with the national exams, he particularly asked whether the Education Ministry was consulted since electioneering could affect the conduct of national exams.   

The president inquired whether there was any division among the members of the commission in declaring the elections. Four out of the five commission members were present at the meeting.  The Election Commission has already noticed the conduct of elections calling for nominations for it. However, there are moves by those in the government to postpone elections citing economic reasons. The elections will cost Rs.10 billion. The court has also been moved in this regard.   

Besides, some parties in the opposition fear whether the government will enact fresh legislations that provide for the postponement of elections even after the acceptance of nominations.