Postponement of LG polls a dangerous precedent: Cardinal

Postponement of local government elections could be a dangerous precedent as it would eventually push the nation into a dictatorial rule, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said today.

“The postponement of the polls will result in Sri Lanka losing the confidence it has earned from the international community. We appeal to the authorities not to push the country towards a greater crisis at a time when it is hit by bankruptcy and assistance of World Bank, IMF and the foreign nations,” Cardinal Ranjith said in a special statement.  

“It is the duty of all political parties, civil organizations and religious leaders to come forward for the sake of the nation,” he added.

“We appeal to the President and the government to ensure that the local polls are held on time. We also trust that they will take steps to avoid earning a negative reputation,” he also said.

The franchise is a tool people use to use their sovereignity practically and is a right which they enjoy. It is the duty of the President to see that the local elections are held. If the President and the public servants fail in this exercise it would be a violation of the constitution,” Cardinal stressed. (Yohan Perera)