President to meet party leaders on election expenditure Bill

• The Bill provides provisions for candidates to publish details on funds spent 

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to meet party leaders in Parliament today to discuss and decide on the proposed Election Expenditure Bill.  This Bill provides provisions for candidates who contest any election to publish details on the funds they spend for their campaign. 

Sources close to the President said he had decided to meet the party leaders as some opposition parties have objected to the Bill. Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said during the sessions that his party has proposed an amendment to ensure that the legislation does not apply to the local government election. 

Also, a Parliament source said party leaders met Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday and President’s decision comes after this meeting. 
Meanwhile, President said during the sessions that the legislation has to be approved soon. 

• Sources close to the President said he had decided to meet the party leaders as some opposition parties have objected to the Bill