Opposition MPs tell EC to conduct local polls before March 20

Ten opposition MPs in a letter addressed to Chairman of  Election Commission Nimal Punchihewa had wanted him to conduct the local  polls before March 20 as per the Supreme Court order.   

MPs Vijitha Herath, G. L. Peiris, Mano Ganesan, Rishad  Bathiudeen, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Rauff Hakeem, S. Rasamanickam, M.  A, Sumanthiran and Dayasiri Jayasekera had wanted the polls chief to act  upon the restraining order issued by Supreme courts on March 3, 2023.   

“We write consequent to the order of the Supreme Court  made on March 3, 2023, in SC FR 69/23 restraining the Minister of Finance, the Secretary to the Treasury and others from withholding necessary  funds for the conduct of local polls that was scheduled to be held on  March 9, 2023. 

Court has also made a further order to the Government Printer in respect to the printing of ballot papers. You gave an  understanding to SC Writ 6/2023 and SC Writ 7/2023 that you will hold the  said election according to the law. You are aware that according to the  law, the said election should be held on or before March 19. When the  Secretary to Treasury and the Government Printer did not cooperate with  you, you filed a motion is the aforesaid two cases seeking court’s  direction on them,” the MPs added.   “Now that the Supreme Courts have removed the only  impediment to hold the elections according to the law, it is your  imperative duty to conduct the election on or before March 19. We do not  see any reason why you should consult the Secretary to the Treasury or  anyone else now that they have bound to comply with the interim order of the Supreme Court.,” they added.   

In addition, the MPs had sought an appointment to meet the Election Commission Chairman on March 7, 2023.