28 December 2011 01:13 pm
A meeting has been called by Mr. Deshapriya among secretaries of all political parties and independent groups fielding candidates at the election on January 13 to determine whether elections to the two Pradeshiya Sabhas could be held on March 3, 2012, he added.
The nominations for the two Pradeshiya Sabhas were called on January 6, 2011 but the elections were postponed until December 31, 2011 citing the failure to complete resettlements and de-mining.
The government was of the view that a large number of voters in several constituencies were still remaining in refugee camps.
“Another factor to postpone elections at these two Pradeshiya Sabhas was the heavy monsoonal rains experienced during this time disrupting election work. Therefore, I have no option but to postpone the elections after consulting elections officials in the district,” Mr. Deshapriya said.
An alternative mechanism will be put in place enabling voters who do not have their names in the electoral register due to the war situation to enroll in the electoral register of the Mullaithevu District, he said after consulting election officials. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)