Failure to allocate funds for LG polls Will resort to legal action against Finance Secretary: Opposition groups

By Yohan Perera   

While highlighting that Chairman of Election Commission  Nimal Punchihewa had informed them that local government elections  cannot be held on March 9, certain opposition groups have told  Secretary to Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana that they will file  legal action against him if he fails to allocate funds for the polls  immediately.  

In a joint letter addressed to the Finance Secretary, the  Nidahas Janatha Sandanaya, Uttara Lanka Sahabagaya, SLFP, Jana Jaya  Peramuna, the Nidahas Janatha Peramuna, and Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya  had informed Mr. Siriwardana that he had violated section 104 of the  constitution.  

“The Chairman of Election Commission had informed us that  the local government election cannot be held on March 9, 2023 as the  finance ministry had not allocated funds for it. We feel that all those  who are in the government are working towards the postponement of the  election intentionally.  

 “You have violated section 104 of the constitution by  refraining from allocating funds for the local polls. Also you have  stated in the circular 02/2023 No. 3 where you have assured that funds  would be allocated for matters that cannot be postponed. Therefore we  request you to rectify the situation and we shall file legal action  against you if you fail,” the letter added.  

The signatories of the letter are Nidahas Janatha Sandanaya  General Secretary Thilanga Sumathipala, Convener Nidahas Janatha  Sabhawa Professor G. L. Peiris, Nidahas Janatha Sabawa Leader Dullas  Alahapperuma, Chairman Uttara Lanka Sahabhagya Wimal Weerawansa, General  Secretary SLFP Dayasiri Jayasekera, Leader Jana Jaya Peramuna Anura  Priyadarshana Yapa and Nidahas Janatha Peramuna Leader Nalaka Godahewa.