Govt. postpones passing LG elections bills in P’ment

The Government yesterday said that a decision has been made to postpone the passing of two Local Government Bills in the House.

Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A.L.M. Athaulla told parliament that the debate on the two bills will not be carried out as previously scheduled for yesterday.

The Minister said that more time was needed to debate the bill and to introduce more amendments.

The two bills presented for debate in parliament today were the Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Bill and the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) on Monday (3) said it would seek a postponement of the Bills in parliament.

However, when Athaulla made the statement, the UNP objected saying that the opposition was informed that the Bills would be passed today.

Chief Opposition Whip, John Amaratunga charged that the government was delaying the passing of the Bills due to its fear to face elections under a new electoral system.

Captain Cool wants local government polls put off for World Cup

World Cup winning cricket captain turned politician Arjuna Ranatunga urged the President and the Minister of Sports not to hold the local government elections parallel to the World Cup 2011 to be played partially in the island.

Ranatunga, a legislator from the opposition party Democratic National Alliance (DNA) said the political clashes during the election campaign might affect the image of the country if the elections are held parallel to the World Cup.

The veteran cricketer and politician made this request as speculations were widespread that the government would dissolve the local councils this month and would hold elections in March.

The government earlier said it will dissolve all the local bodies on 10 January and hold elections in mid-March.

However, the government did not table the local government amendment bill in the parliament as scheduled yesterday.