The Election Commission has informed the Supreme Court yesterday that it is practically impossible to hold a general election on June 20, given the current situation in the country.
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, appearing on behalf of Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya and its member Nalin Abeysekara, informed the apex court that elections cannot be held in June as scheduled when the petitions filed challenging the election date were taken up for the third day today (20).
The Bench comprised Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya and Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira De Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena and Vijith Malalgoda.
President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris, who appeared on behalf of the Election Commission, further said that an election cannot be held until there is a positive response and guidance from the entire health sector including the Director General of Health Services that an election can be held.
The Election Commission informed the court that it would take 70 days (10 weeks) to hold the election after health authorities declare conditions are safe.
Several fundamental rights petition has been filed in the Supreme Court requesting the court to issue an injunction on decision taken by the President to dissolve the parliament and to hold General Election on 20 June.
The hearing will be continued and the members of the Elections Commission and attorneys representing the Attorney General will be present at the hearing.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
