Those behind disrupting LG polls will have to face same SC ruling as Easter Attacks: NPP lawyers

The political authority and relevant government officials would have to face legal actions by the Supreme Court just as in the case of Easter Sunday attacks, if they acted irresponsibly with regard to the Local Government elections, Lawyers for National People's Power( NPP) said today.

Attorney-at-law Sunil Watagala told a news conference that the Cabinet of Ministers as the political authority and five government officials were behind the moves to postpone the LG polls.

He said the five government officials who are responsible in this regard are the IGP, Treasury Secretary, Attorney General, Government Printer and Secretary to the Media Ministry as they are the responsible persons who ultimately carry out the decisions taken by the political authority regarding the postponement of the election.

Watagala said during the recent ruling on Easter Sunday attacks, the Supreme Court gave an excellent ruling on political authority and government officials who fail to fullfil their responsibility towards the public.

"The Supreme Court ruling on Easter Sunday attacks could apply to those responsible for postponing LG polls as well. Actions to disrupt an election is even more serious offence," he said. (Ajith Siriwardana)