Former Speaker calls for timely polls

Saturday, 17 February 2024 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Karu Jayasuriya says his organisation will vehemently oppose any attempts to postpone elections
Claims their stance on abolition of Executive Presidency remains unchanged
Stresses all candidates participating in upcoming Presidential poll must disclose their stance on it
Urges all candidates to disclose specific date for abolition of Presidency if they pledge to do so

NMSJ Chairman

Karu Jayasuriya

The National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Karu Jayasuriya has strongly emphasised that his organisation will vehemently oppose any attempts to postpone the elections.

This assertion was made during a special discussion titled ‘A new electoral system for a strong democratic country’, which was organised by the organisation led by the former Speaker in Colombo earlier this week.

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Professor G.L. Peiris, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Sudarshani Fernandopulle, Azath Salley along with other politicians, former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya, and a cohort of professionals and academics participated in this conference.

Jayasuriya reiterated that the stance of his organisation remains unchanged regarding the abolition of the Executive Presidency. However, he emphasised the paramount importance of conducting all elections according to their designated schedules.

Additionally, Jayasuriya stressed that all candidates participating in the upcoming Presidential election must disclose their stance on the office of the Executive President to the nation.

“The President appointed a committee to investigate a new election system last December, and we have submitted our proposals to that committee,” Jayasuriya said.

“I want to stress a crucial point here. We adamantly oppose any postponement of elections. Elections must be conducted as scheduled. Similarly, all candidates vying for the Presidential election must unequivocally disclose their stance on the Executive Presidential system to the nation,” he added.

The Speaker also urged all candidates to disclose a specific date for the abolition of the post if they pledge to do so. “The citizens of this country have the fundamental right to be informed about the stance of each candidate regarding the Executive Presidential system,” Jayasuriya emphasised.