Opposition warns ECSL against constitutional conspiracies to delay Presidential poll

• Opposition MPs aligned with the SJB urges the ECSL to take measures to ensure Presidential Election is held on time
• Accuses current Govt. attempting to postpone polls due to fear of losing
• Stresses importance of giving citizens opportunity to elect a new President
• Urges ECSL to make arrangements for elections and exercise its legal powers to ensure a free and fair election

A group of Opposition MPs aligned with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has written to the Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL), urging measures to prevent the upcoming Presidential Election from being compromised by constitutional conspiracies. In the letter handed over to the ECSL yesterday the MPs emphasised the importance of holding the election on time and called for the necessary arrangements to ensure the presidential election is conducted on the earliest possible date.

The letter, signed by MPs including Palani Digambaram, Rauff Hakeem, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Lakshman Kiriella, Udaya Gammanpila, Athuraliye Rathana Thera, Dayasiri Jayasekara, and Nalin Bandara, highlighted several key concerns.

The MPs alleged that the current Government, worried about a potential loss in the upcoming Presidential Election, is attempting to postpone the election scheduled for 2024. 

They cited a recent effort to introduce a bill amending the constitutional provisions regarding the President’s term, which has already been clearly interpreted by the Supreme Court.

The letter emphasised that the Constitution specifically provides a five-year tenure for the President, as confirmed by three different Supreme Court determinations including the interpretation of the 19th Amendment, the clarification requested by former President Maithripala Sirisena, and the recent judgment rejecting a fundamental rights petition by businessman C.D. Lenawa. 

The MPs pointed out a clause in the proposed amendment that changes the wording in Article 83 of the Constitution from “over six years” to “over five years,” raising concerns about the need for a referendum and the potential disruption and wastage of public funds.

The MPs argued that the Presidential Election, a significant event reflecting the people’s sovereignty and right to vote, should not be postponed. They recalled the ousting of the previous anti-people ruler through public struggle and the appointment of a caretaker president by the Parliament, emphasising the need for citizens to elect a new President through a direct popular vote.

The letter concluded with a call to the ECSL to make the necessary arrangements to hold the Presidential Election on the first possible day and to exercise its legal powers to ensure a free and fair election. The MPs emphasised their commitment to fulfilling their duties as public representatives and political movements in ensuring the democratic process is upheld.