EC says no budget allocation for a General Election in 2024

13 February 2024 10:12 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

Colombo, Feb 13 (Daily Mirror) - Following a Right to Information request filed to the Elections Commission, the Daily Mirror learnt that the estimated budget to conduct a Presidential Election in 2024 would be around Rs. 9,750,000,000.

Elections Commissioner Saman Ratnayake said that they made a request for Rs. 10 billion in August 2023 to conduct a Presidential Election and that it was approved from the 2024 budget. “A similar budget is required to conduct a General Election as well,” he added.

However, at a recent cabinet briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardena said that a sum of Rs. 10 billion had been allocated to conduct the Presidential Election and the General Elections in 2024.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Minister Gunawardena confirmed that a Presidential Election will definitely be held this year. “But the government doesn’t have adequate funds to conduct two elections,” he added.

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Comments - 17

LK Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:27 AM

This is another crafty move to avoid elections. Now, it is clear that Ranil and Sujith are scared of elections. It is to delay the elections as much as possible. .. to buy time.

Hithapan Lamai Tuesday, 13 February 2024 03:36 PM

Not only RW and SP infact all of us should be scared of elections. The last time we had an election 145 SLPP members were elected from one party democratically by us!! The election before that 6.9million of us elected GR! In 2024 the same stupid bunch of voters will vote for another nut job like Gota inexperienced and popular to the core - who will it be AKD?

NAGA Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:07 PM

EVERY POLLING STATION TAKES 5 FIVE VOLENTARY FROM GOVT RETIRED PEOPLE. WHY WANT MUCH MORE MONEY?

Duminda Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:30 AM

We know the game plan. How long this game to play Mr.Ranil?. Face the reality. Shame!!!

Ram Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:35 AM

No Budget allocation as the cunning Finance Minister/President does not want to hold any election. Last minute when people clamour for elections Police will make it a civil commotion for RW to say country situation no good to hold elections

Roisin Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:49 AM

So that is why the Sri Lankan ambassador was talking to Senegalese President Macky Sall. He was asking how to avoid elections.

Sokrates Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:53 AM

Why not both elections on the same day. That would be a new political beginning in Sri Lanka and save a lot of money. It would be in the interests of the people. The people do not want to continue to keep criminals in parliament with a new president. The money for a parliamentary election could then be used in 2025 for a referendum on the abolition of the executive presidency. But that won't happen because the criminal and corrupt pack want to delay the parliamentary elections for as long as possible. But they will be surprised if the new president immediately dissolves parliament and the criminals from parliament go straight to prison.

Amaran Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:18 PM

You are correct that new president will have CORRUTS untill the next Parlimentary election. However, what will happen if RW wins? Do you think that he would "Abolish" the Presidency? He will polish and keep it forever.

Farook Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:56 AM

Conduct both at the same time and save precious money. Even the local election can be conducted at the same time.

sam Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:08 AM

Two elections together will save millions

Jude Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:17 AM

If no elections declared for October or later then someone must putta bullet on big Kahuna's Head.

A Pohottu Supporter Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:19 AM

Don't worry. There will not be any election this year.

Amaran Tuesday, 13 February 2024 11:24 AM

Our system permits all KUDU KARAYOS to contest. Hence, out ballot paper will be like a train. This itself require huge fund allocation. Can't we simplify the process to cut the cost?

Roshanaly Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:04 PM

Collect the money from the contesting Candidate, definitely they will pay.

Globe trotter Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:22 PM

No money for elections but to galavant the globe there is enough and more money

Joseph Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:53 PM

There will be Presidential election either in Mid September or Early October 24 and GE in December 24 of by Feb 25

sam silv2 Tuesday, 13 February 2024 03:41 PM

YAKO APP EKAK USE KARAPAN VOTING VALATA THAT WILL COST LESS THAN A BILLION _ THESE ARTS QAULIFID BUMS HAVE NO FOWARD THINKING!!!!

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EC says no budget allocation for a General Election in 2024

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