Tilvin Silva says the government expects to hold the Sri Lankan Provincial Council Elections next year if no further major issues arise.
Speaking at the opening of the National People’s Power Jaffna District office, Silva stated that funds had originally been allocated through the most recent national budget to conduct the Provincial Council elections this year.
However, he said the government had to redirect approximately Rs. 500 billion toward disaster relief and recovery following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
Silva also referred to unresolved legal issues related to the Provincial Council electoral system.
According to him, amendments introduced during the administration of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe created complications regarding the legal framework under which the elections should be conducted.
He noted that a Parliamentary Committee has now been appointed to study the issue and recommend the appropriate legal basis for holding the polls.
“If no other major issues arise, we believe it may be possible to hold the Provincial Council Elections by next year,” Silva stated.
Provincial Council elections in Sri Lanka have been delayed for several years due to legal, administrative, and electoral reform disputes.
