Protect democracy, hold LG polls without delay: Eran

SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne 

• Says politicians must not play with constitutional rights of people
• Charges Cabinet directive to disrupt electoral process

By Darshana Abayasingha

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), continues its cry against what it calls a State conspiracy to postpone the local Government polls, and charged the Government and the President are moving to deny people the chance to vote in a bid to cling on to power.

Addressing a media briefing yesterday, SJB MP Eran Wickremaratne said despite the Elections Commission setting a date for acceptance of nominations and payment of sureties by contesting parties, a letter signed by an official of the Ministry of Local Government has directed returning officers to not accept payments until further notice.

“No one can work outside the framework of the Constitution. Not even the President can override the directive of the Elections Commission. But here we have a Cabinet directive to disrupt the process set out by the Commission. No one must disrupt the democratic process of this country, even if it is not beneficial to a single party or person. To disrupt such process can bring about grave consequences,” Wickremaratne warned.

The MP charged that the ruling SLPP was engaged in theatrics to showcase the party was preparing for a poll, but instead it really hopes to scupper the poll. He also scoffed at reports the country cannot afford an election, when it would only cost Rs. 10 billion in comparison to estimated State expenditure of over Rs. 8 trillion this year. 

Wickremaratne says the SLPP is afraid to face elections, and that any person or party that has not engaged in corruption should not be afraid to go before their constituents. Politicians must not be allowed to play with the constitutional rights of the people in order to protect power, he stated.

Touching on the economic crisis, the SJB MP expressed hope Sri Lanka’s external creditors would agree on a plan for restructuring its external debt, whereby the country could move ahead with the proposed IMF program. Lamenting the delay with the proposed deal, Wickremaratne pointed out that up to 40% of debt was owed to International Sovereign Bond (ISB) holders, and said it was questionable why the Government has continued to pay interest to this group.

“ISB holders too should come to some form of agreement on a restructure. They have asked for a domestic debt restructure, but the SJB is opposed to any such move as the people of Sri Lanka have suffered and lost their earnings due to severe inflation. 

“Who are these ISB holders, I have continuously asked for a list of names and this has not been provided. Despite bankruptcy and the exchange crisis, the Government has continued to pay them interest which is often over 50%. Why have they done that? Naturally, this gives cause for doubts,” he said.

The MP also touched on corruption and the lack of action. He said many countries had investigated and taken action against individuals and assets from Sri Lanka who have engaged in mass scale corruption. However, Sri Lanka is yet to pursue any concrete action against offenders.

Commenting once again on the upcoming Local Government poll, Wickremaratne said the SJB is ready to take on the challenge and is confident to come out on top at the election. He said the SJB “has no major challenge” and other players are entering into coalitions as they do not have the strength or confidence to face the people. “We will forward candidates with a blend of youth and experience, encompassing all parts of society,” he added.