•  SJB surprised by date 
• Insists elections should not be held until COVID-19 eradicated 
• Says polls can only be held after last patient has recovered and public has partly absorbed financial repercussions   

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday strongly objected to the election date set by the Election Commission and expressed surprise at the date being announced while the country was battling a public health crisis. Issuing a press release, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that the coalition repeatedly requested that an election should not be held at a time when the country was trying to contain the COVID-19 virus from spreading. 

“We strongly object and express our displeasure at a date for election being fixed during this turbulent and uncertain times,” Madduma Bandara stated. 

The SJB stated that adequate time is needed for parties to prepare and campaign for the elections, and that a safe and conducive environment was needed for a successful election to be held.   

“The date for the election should be decided only after it is officially notified that the last COVID-19 infected patient has recovered. Furthermore, it should only be held after it is scientifically proven there are no more COVID-19 carriers,” Madduma Bandara said. 

The SJB emphasised that candidates require at least five weeks to plan and complete an election campaign. The Party also called for the public to be given an opportunity to recover financially from the health crisis and said that the SJB’s call to postpone the election was supported by several civil society movements and social media activists.

Sajith wants written assurance from top medical authority for polls