Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Wednesday, 17 July 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) Chairperson R.M.L. Ratnayake has re-confirmed that the announcement of the Presidential election will be made before 31 July.
The Chairperson made this assurance at a press conference held at the ECSL yesterday.
He said the ECSL will be authorised to call for the Presidential election after midnight on 16 July and accordingly, the election date will be announced before the end of July.
Ratnayake also said the requested budget of Rs. 10 billion for the Presidential poll has been received, and ensured there are no issues with funding for the upcoming election.
The Commission also confirmed that there are no issues with securing paper for the printing of ballot papers for the election.
ECSL Chairman R.M.L. Ratnayake, Secretary H.M.T.D. Herath, members M.A.P.C. Perera, Anusuya Shanmuganathan, and Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake were present at the press conference.
“Anyone can review the relevant time frame for the Presidential election by considering the Constitution and the Presidential Election Act. According to these provisions, there is no obstacle to holding the Presidential election,” he affirmed.
He explained that nominations for the Presidential election must be accepted between 16 and 21 days from the announcement of the poll and additionally, the Presidential election should be held within 4-6 weeks from the date of receipt of nominations.
He pointed out that officials from the Finance Ministry have been summoned to the ECSL today for discussions about securing funds for the Presidential election and addressing related matters.
Ratnayake noted that, despite his extensive experience in election duties since 1986, he has never witnessed an election that has garnered as much widespread interest from so many people and parties.
Meanwhile printing costs of the Presidential election is set to be a whopping Rs. 600-800 million.
