’’Height of absurdity’’ to claim no election declared: Sumanthiran

It is the height of absurdity of the President to claim that the Local Government election has not been officially declared after all legal steps have been taken and nominations filed for the March 9 elections, TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran PC said today.

He told a news conference in Jaffna that the Treasury has released upto Rs. 100 million for the initial expenses with the view to conduct the election.

He also said that the UNP has filed nominations for various Local authorities and engaged in widespread campaign.

"The Finance Minister and the UNP leader, in his capacity as the President stated in Parliament that no election was officially declared in the country.

"This is the height of absurdity," he said.

The President's counsel and Jaffna district TNA parliamentarian said that the periodic elections are important elements for establishing democratic governance and added that the Local Government election which was earlier postponed by the government by an year, is now due before March 19 this year.(Ajith Siriwardana)