US Senate Committee urges SL to hold elections without further delay

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SCFR) urged the Government of Sri Lanka to hold free and fair local government elections without further delay.  

Committee chairman Bob Menendez said that any effort to stifle the voice of the people of Sri Lanka is undeniably undemocratic and a direct violation of Sri Lankans’ rights.  
He responded to a report following the announcement by the Election Commission last week that local government polls scheduled for March 9 will not be held due to lack of funds.  
The SCFR is a standing committee of the US Senate charged with leading foreign-policy legislation and debate in the Senate.     

• The SCFR is a standing committee of the US Senate charged with leading foreign-policy legislation and debate in the Senate