Rs.10 billion ready to conduct presidential poll anytime-Treasury assures

• Election to be declared on July 30

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, at a meeting with the Election Commission yesterday, assured unhindered release of funds for the conduct of presidential elections this year, an official said yesterday.  

In the 2024 budget, the government announced the allocation of Rs.10 billion for the conduct of the elections. An official of the Commission said Mr. Siriwardane assured the release of money for the smooth conduct of the elections. The treasury assurance was sought over concerns triggered earlier by the non-release of money to conduct the elections to the local authorities. It resulted in the indefinite postponement of the elections to the local government bodies.   

The official said the Commission would be able to stick to the stipulated amount of money in the conduct of the presidential elections.  

“The budgetary allocation has been estimated based on prices that remained last year. Today, inflation has been tamed. Therefore, there won’t be any need for the release of funds in addition to Rs.10 billion announced in the budget,” he said.   

The Commission is planning to declare the election on July 30. According to the Constitution and the Presidential Election Act, the nominations from respective candidates should be accepted on a date after 16 days of such declaration and 21 days before. Polling should take place after four weeks and before six weeks.  

According to the Constitution, the new President should be elected one month before the expiry of the term of the incumbent President but not more than two months. The current presidential term is expected to end on November 17, 2024. The new President should be elected on a day between September 17 and October 17 as a result. Polling is slated to take place on a day during this period as a result.