There is constitutional provision for a snap poll - Leader of the House

By Yohan Perera  

Referring to yet another call from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for a snap general election, Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha yesterday mentioned that there is constitutional provision for a snap poll. 

Parliament can approve a motion with a simple majority calling the President to dissolve the House and hold a general election under section 70(1) of the constitution. “This provision has been retained in the 21st Amendment consciously or unconsciously,” the Leader of the House said.  

Earlier Opposition Leader Premadasa  said the House could be dissolved immediately if a resolution to this effect is approved by the House. “ Why don’t we go for a snap general elections,” he said.   

“Leader of the Opposition has only highlighted the constitutional provision,” Minister Premajayantha responded.  

“You should have said I was correct. Why don’t you directly mention that the Opposition Leader was correct,” Premadasa said.  
“I only performed my duty as the Leader of the House,” Premajayantha replied.