Country ready to hold first free and fair presidential election: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe issued a statement yesterday saying the country is ready to hold the first free and fair presidential election under the conducive environment created in terms of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and said the government had established a just and law-abiding society.

He said that the government had initiated independent commissions under the 19th Amendment and is committed to creating a totally democratic society.

He said it is the duty of citizens to strengthen the democratic system, leaving no room for the past, immoral political culture to raise its head.

Mr. Wickremesinghe also noted that the three forces and police had been instructed to provide necessary security countrywide and to assist in the conduct of a free and fair election.

“As citizens, our responsibility is to provide the necessary support to continue a free and fair election and we have to protect our society,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that the government has worked to establish a free election system in the country and all election duties are carried out through the independent Election Commission.

“The presidential election will be held in such a free atmosphere that no one can find fault with," he said.

He also urged the citizens to provide their vital support to continue a free and fair election in the country. (Yoshitha Perera)