Delay in LG polls Sajith says opposition met diplomatic corps over delay in holding LG election

• Minister Ranatunge claims opposition political parties had requested diplomatic corps to delay IMF funds to SL 

By Ajith Siriwardana  

The joint opposition including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) met with the diplomatic corps including the Ambassadors, over the delay in holding the Local Government election, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.   

Responding to an allegation made by Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunge that he learnt that the opposition political parties had met with the diplomatic corps and requested them to delay the IMF funds to Sri Lanka and enforce strict conditions, the opposition leader said they only discussed the delay in LG polls and that they never engage in political slander.  
Premadasa said they had never related internal matters to the loans, benefits and donations that the country was to receive during discussions with the international community. “We informed the diplomatic corps that delaying elections is a huge blow to democracy.”  

We have a right to meet diplomats and expedite the elections. We informed them that we have been signatories to some 20 international conventions including the ICCPR Act which promotes the right to election,” he said.  

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, who confirmed the meeting with diplomatic corps said they discussed the delay in LG polls.  
SJB MP Harsha De Silva said they never requested the diplomatic corps to tighten IMF conditions but thanked them for the support they extended. 

• “We have a right to meet diplomats and expedite the elections”