Opposition protests in Parliament demanding Local Government Election; Sessions adjourned to Wednesday (22)

COLOMBO (News 1st); Opposition MPs launched a protest in Parliament demanding that steps be taken to conduct the Local Government Election.

Due to the protest, Parliament sessions were adjourned to 9:30 AM on Wednesday (22).

On Monday (20), the Samagi Jana Balavegaya led a protest march in Colombo demanding for the Local Government Election be held.

Police fired tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the protest at Technical Junction, Maradana.

Also on Monday (20), Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest organized by the Jathika Jana Balavegaya against the attempt to delay the Local Government Election in Kurunegala.

On Tuesday (21), The Government Printer said that sufficient police protection has not been provided for the process of printing ballot papers.

Head of the Department of Government Printing Ganga Liyanage told News 1st that as a result, the printing of ballot papers for the Local Government Election will be further delayed.

The Government Printer said that only two police officers have been stationed at the main gate as of Monday (20) evening.

She said that 65-person strong police force is required for the security detail to provide protection to the process of printing ballot papers.

She said that requests were forwarded in this regard to all relevant agencies.

On Monday (20),  Sri Lanka's National Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court that obstacles have arisen with regard to conducting the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023 as planned. 

Furthermore, the Government Printer has informed the Elections Commission that she is unable to release the ballot papers for the elections until a sum of Rs. 410.6 Million is paid up front to the Department of Government Printing, noted the motion produced by the National Election Commission to the Supreme Court..

The National Election Commission in its motion also noted that the Inspector General of Police had failed to provide security to the process of printing ballot papers, and added that the IGP has indicated that he requires funds for the conduct of the election which are approximately three-fold of the funds previously provided to Sri Lanka Police during elections.