Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ According to the latest statements made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the Sri Lankan government will have presidential polls later this year. Both leaders affirmed today that there will be no alterations to the plans for conducting the presidential elections. President Wickremesinghe, speaking at an event, underscored that financial allocations for the presidential elections have already been made. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gunawardena asserted that the elections will proceed as planned later this year.
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President Wickremesinghe reiterated yesterday that the presidential election is imminent and funds have been earmarked for it. During his engagement at the “What’s New” workshop at the President’s office on legal reform with young legal professionals, he emphasized that none of the potential presidential candidates have expressed plans to abolish the executive powers associated with the position. Addressing the dual nature of the executive presidential system, the president highlighted its benefits and disadvantages. He emphasized the pivotal role played by the executive power vested in the presidency in Sri Lanka’s economic development and the resolution of the 30-year war. However, according to constitutional law experts, the UNP General Secretary Range Bandara’s statement of postponing the presidential election would necessitate a constitutional amendment. Notably, his suggestion also faced severe criticism from civil society and political parties.
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Furthermore, according to Prime Minister Gunawardena, the upcoming presidential election would proceed as planned this year, in compliance with constitutional provisions and as revealed by the Elections Commission of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the Commission has designated the election date between 15 September and 17 October. Speaking to the media, Gunawardena dismissed any suggestions of postponing the presidential and general elections. He noted that such proposals had not been deliberated within the government or the ruling alliance.
The Prime Minister’s statements were prompted by recent suggestions from United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara to propose a postponement of both parliamentary and presidential elections, followed by a referendum to seek public approval for the delay. Gunawardena asserted, “The Election Commission has already declared the election timeline, and we are committed to it,” dismissing claims that the government might postpone the election in response to recent May Day crowd sizes and stating that political decisions will not be swayed by such factors.
Gunawardena underscored the government’s commitment to upholding democracy, recalling efforts to restore parliamentary order amid past disruptions. He highlighted the constitutional mechanisms for election scheduling and parliamentary dissolution, stressing that major changes necessitate a two-thirds majority. Following the presidential election, the Prime Minister assured that focus would return to the general election, with further emphasis being placed on holding provincial council and local government elections concurrently. Furthermore, he criticized irresponsible statements by some politicians, stating that no abrupt decisions would be taken without careful discussion, which may ignite unrest.
Gunawardena reaffirmed that the Election Commission, as mandated by the Constitution, holds the sole authority to call the presidential election within the specific timeframe. Additionally, he clarified that the President has the power to dissolve Parliament after two and a half years into its term, pointing to historical instances where early dissolutions resulted in unexpected opposition victories. Concluding his remarks, Gunawardena said, “Our Parliament continues to function with resilience amidst challenges and differing opinions,” adding that if required, Parliament can be dissolved either through a presidential decision or a parliamentary resolution, with its current term ending next August.
