Party leaders to debate Election Expenditure Bill amidst protests by opposition

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Party leaders yesterday decided to take up the Election Expenditure Bill for debate today amidst protests by the opposition.  Parliament’s media unit also officially confirmed the decision made by the party leaders.  

The Leader of Opposition who made a special statement said the government had followed an undemocratic path and had robbed the people’s right to franchise. The President, Prime Minister and the cabinet has robbed this right from the people in a unscrupulous manner,” Premadasa said.  

“The President met the party leaders, took the decision to take up the Bill and then held the party leaders (business committee) meeting just to show that democratic norms were being followed. We will do our utmost to see that people will get their right to franchise and the local government election is held,” he added.  

Asked whether his party members will participate in the debate, he said there is no point in debating as the rights of the opposition are also suppressed.   MP Dayasiri Jayasekera also said that his party also objected to the move. “Local government election could be postponed by this Bill,”  he said  

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice earlier said there is no issue with regard to the Bill as the amendments proposed by the Supreme Courts will be made. Also he said the decision was made to bring in the Bill as the opposition agreed to go ahead if an amendment is made so that the legislation will not be applicable to the local polls which is to be held in March.