Govt.’s responsibility to hold LG polls as scheduled: Prelates

Claiming that the postponement of Local Government elections had created unrest among the people, the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwattu and Asgiri Chapters said that it was the responsibility of the Government to conduct the LG polls as scheduled.

The prelates said in a letter to the President that ensuring democracy is the practice of ensuring people's sovereignty through a free and fair election.

They said in the letter that public protests on the current issues should not be held with a motive to create political, economic, and social instability.

The letter further said that people should have the right to Freedom of Speech within the legal restriction of the country.

The Prelates expressed hope that the Government would take steps to restore normalcy and calm among people by ensuring rule of law and taking steps to control the cost of living.

The Prelates praised the President for taking actions to stabilize the country by alleviating economic, political and social instability in the country.

They urged the Government to take immediate action to implement people-friendly policies and protect people's lives by controlling the rising cost of living.

"We strongly believe that all factions must carry out their duties and responsibilities to stabilize the country's economy at this critical juncture. We reiterate the need for long-term plans based on national policies for the well-being of the people, irrespective of political differences.

“We stress that the government must take steps to alleviate the burden on people through practical solutions such as efficient management of State funds, eradicating corruption, putting a stop to misuse of state resources and removing excessive privileges entertained by people's representatives instead of putting the entire economic burden on the people,” the letter further said.