• Getting a fresh mandate from the people is essential for the future of the country

By Yohan Perera and Sandun jayasekara

Whilst reiterating his call for an election, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said the expenditure for polls can be reduced if effective steps are taken to cut down costs.  
“It is possible to cut the cost for an election if the counting of votes is done during day time rather than during the night. 

 This proposal made by the former Chairman of the Election Commission is followed,” Kiriella told a media briefing.   

“Some countries have also pledged to support Sri Lanka to hold an election,” he noted. “Getting a fresh mandate from the people is essential for the future of the country as it has been stressed by the IMF and other donors,” he added.   ‘ One wonders as to what the incumbent Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene who was the chairman of the electoral reforms select committee has been doing all this time. Mr.Gunawardene was appointed as the chairman of the select committee initially in 2021. Thereafter the Yahapalana government also allowed him to continue as the Chairman of the committee which was appointed later. Therefore he had ample time to come out with reforms for the local government elections act,” he added.  
“ We appeal to the election  commission to prepare for the local government  election,” the MP stressed.