UNP Proposes Two-Year Extension for Presidential and Parliamentary Terms to Secure Sri Lanka's Economic Recovery

COLOMBO (News 1st) — UNP General Secretary, Palitha Range Bandara, has presented a proposal to postpone both the presidential and general elections by a span of two years.

In his statement, he emphasized that if circumstances warrant, this proposal can be formally submitted to the parliament, paving the way for a referendum.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (28) in Colombo, the UNP General Secretary highlighted a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s history. The nation faced economic adversity, but resolute measures were taken to steer it away from the brink. These efforts yielded significant victories.

“We have regained international trust, stabilized the economy, and provided relief to our citizens,” he asserted. Administrative reforms have streamlined governance, and the education system has returned to normalcy.

Range Bandara attributed these achievements to the current President’s leadership.

He underscored that the country’s current needs do not align with an immediate Presidential or Parliamentary election. Instead, he called upon all members of parliament to rally behind a proposal: extending the current President’s term by two years (or potentially five), along with a corresponding extension of the current parliament’s tenure.

Range Bandara urged unity across party lines, including opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s support. Additionally, he emphasized that during these challenging times, a prudent approach would be to defer both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections by two years, with the option of a referendum if deemed necessary.