President not in a hurry to hold elections: Gammanpila

28 April 2020 01:05 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is not in a hurry to hold the General Elections and the allegations made by the Opposition to this effect are false, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and former MP Udaya Gammanpila said today.

Speaking at a news briefing, Mr Gammanpila said the Opposition alleges that the President is in a rush to hold the parliamentary election despite the epidemic caused by COVID19.

"This is a baseless allegation. The first COVID19 patient was diagnosed in Sri Lanka on January 26. She was discharged from the hospital after being full recovered on February 19.

When the President dissolved Parliament on March 2, there had been no patient recorded for 35 days from January 26 to March 2. Hence, he dissolved Parliament to get a new Parliament which will be supportive of the President’s programme.

The second patient was recorded on March 11, nine days after the dissolution of Parliament," he said. He said the election date was fixed as June 22 by the Election Commission and not by the President. "They just performed their legal obligation.

We are now in power. We have our President, Prime Minister and a cabinet of ministers. If the election is held, we will definitely win. Hence, we will be in power with or without holding elections. In such a scenario, why should we rush to hold elections in the middle of an epidemic? I should draw the attention of the public to another point.

The UNP should get the blame for falling parliamentary election during the epidemic. Usually, Presidents dissolve Parliament to get a new Parliament supportive to him. President Gotabaya could not do that because of the ban imposed by the UNP through the 19th Amendment.

After the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, President is barred from dissolving Parliament until it completes four and half years. That is why the President had to wait until 2 March to dissolve Parliament," he said.

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Comments - 16

RSR Tuesday, 28 April 2020 03:03 PM

If cussed rogues like you are going to get re-elected, the country is better off without a Parliament.

Dee Tuesday, 28 April 2020 03:27 PM

Neither are the people. Wonder what's the rush all about?

warren Tuesday, 28 April 2020 03:50 PM

What is he talking about at this crucial juncture? Has he been infected with COVID-19 or some unknown disease?

Patriot Tuesday, 28 April 2020 03:52 PM

In a hurry or not in a hurry don’t expect the same results that swept throughout the country except northeast in presidential election....

Sando Tuesday, 28 April 2020 04:07 PM

You are a clever Politician and a Brilliant Lawyer Sir. Politicians must learn from you.

Yohan Tuesday, 28 April 2020 05:15 PM

Yes,we know that you all are very clever to twist your own statements made.People are not fool's any more

Jaya Tuesday, 28 April 2020 05:36 PM

Leading towards a failed Buddhist state. As a Buddhist never lie. Should be sent to Sunday school again.

charith seneviratne Tuesday, 28 April 2020 05:45 PM

No one has requested to have elections. The bunch of idiots who have got excited knowing very well they are going to lose and will have no chance are currently saying NOT to have elections. The EC has said that no one has pressured to hold elections. When ever the elections are held the the Yahapaalana and gang will lose.

Don Tuesday, 28 April 2020 05:55 PM

There are rules for everyone to follow. He's complaining about the rules instead of following them or getting a majority to change them. Reminder: This is not a dictatorship.

Baka Tuesday, 28 April 2020 06:27 PM

Were you isolated till now? Better to stay that way!!!

Lalantha Tuesday, 28 April 2020 06:33 PM

Whether it is the present parliament or the new parliament they are the most curse for Sri Lanka. Now days they only wanted to be members of parliament just to make money and all facilities to them and their families. Once they make money from corruption they are set for the life. That is why today people are praising the work of solders and police. Because people know they work honestly without even thinking the consequences or benefits because of the love for the country and it's people.

BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 28 April 2020 06:36 PM

Did somebody fart... got a bad shit smell after a long period of improved air quality.

Buddhist Tuesday, 28 April 2020 07:29 PM

Militarization of the country is President's answer to recalling Parliament.

harsha sk Tuesday, 28 April 2020 09:16 PM

Hide this guy. He and buruwanse are the ones who will destroy this govt

Renu Tuesday, 28 April 2020 09:20 PM

Mr. Gomanpila it is not the President who decides on the Election it is the Election Commission I guess who. will have the power to do so

Lal Tuesday, 28 April 2020 09:38 PM

First time he talk about the truth. They only need the power, power, power. When they have the power they can do any dirty work and hide behind the power.

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President not in a hurry to hold elections: Gammanpila

Comments - 16

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