Writ petition against holding LG Election postponed

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda  

A Writ petition filed by a retired Army Colonel seeking an order quashing the decision of the Election Commission to hold the Local Government elections was yesterday postponed for September 4 by the Supreme Court.   President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris appearing for the Election Commission informed that as of today the Election Commission has not fixed a specific date for the election. He said the election could be held soon after the releasing of funds by the Treasury or an occasion subsequent to a court order to hold the election.  

The Treasury Secretary had earlier filed several affidavits informing that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge since the government has to give priority for essential services.  

In his petition, Colonel Wijesundera had sought an order quashing the decision of the Election Commission to hold the Local Government elections to be held before March 10.  
President’s Counsel Faisz Mustapha with Counsel Faisza Mustapha Markar, Eraj de Silva and Sujeewan Hendavitharana appeared for the petitioner.