Failure to allocate funds for LG polls Will resort to legal action against Finance Secretary: Opposition groups

While highlighting that Chairman of Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa had informed them that local government elections cannot be held on March 9, certain opposition groups have told Secretary to Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana that they will file legal action against him if he fails to allocate funds for the polls immediately.

In a joint letter addressed to the Finance Secretary, the Nidahas Janatha Sandanaya, Uttara Lanka Sahabagaya, SLFP, Jana Jaya Peramuna, the Nidahas Janatha Peramuna, and Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya had informed Mr. Siriwardana that he had violated section 104 of the constitution.

“The Chairman of Election Commission had informed us that the local government election cannot be held on March 9, 2023 as the finance ministry had not allocated funds for it. We feel that all those who are in the government are working towards the postponement of the election intentionally.

“You have violated section 104 of the constitution by refraining from allocating funds for the local polls. Also you have stated in the circular 02/2023 No. 3 where you have assured that funds would be allocated for matters that cannot be postponed. Therefore we request you to rectify the situation and we shall file legal action against you if you fail,” the letter added.

The signatories of the letter are Nidahas Janatha Sandanaya General Secretary Thilanga Sumathipala, Convener Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa Professor G. L. Peiris, Nidahas Janatha Sabawa Leader Dullas Alahapperuma, Chairman Uttara Lanka Sahabhagya Wimal Weerawansa, General Secretary SLFP Dayasiri Jayasekera, Leader Jana Jaya Peramuna Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Nidahas Janatha Peramuna Leader Nalaka Godahewa.( Yohan Perera)