Election Commission gives undertaking to hold LG Election

• President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris informed Court that the Election Commission has taken all steps to call for nominations and said there is no impediment to hold the election

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

The Election Commission yesterday gave an undertaking to the Supreme Court that it would take all steps to hold the Local Government Election in terms of Local Authorities Election Ordinance.  

President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris appearing for the Election Commission gave this undertaking when several writ petitions including a writ petition filed by a retired army Colonel were taken up before the Supreme Court. Pieris informed Court that the Election Commission has taken all steps to call for nominations and said there is no impediment to hold the election.  
Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle appearing for the Treasury Secretary sought Court’s permission to file an affidavit. Saliya Pieris PC appearing for the Election Commission said the Commission has not received any communication from the Treasury Secretary regarding shortage of funds for holding the election.  

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Priyantha Jayawardena, Preethi Padman Surasena and S. Thurairaja fixed the petitions for February 10.  
In his petition, Colonel Wijesundera had sought an order quashing the decision of the Election Commission to hold the Local Government elections to be held before March 10 as reported by media.  

However, in their petitions Parliamentarians Prof. G.L. Peiris, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Lakshman Kiriella, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and M.A.Sumanthiran sought writ of Mandamus directing the Election Commission to hold the election in terms of the law.  

Faiz Mustapha PC appeared for Colonel Wijesundera. Romesh de Silva PC appeared for Prof. G.L. Peiris. Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC with Lakmini Warusevitane appeared for the four parliamentarians.