General election could be held if no other option remains: Harsha

19 June 2022 02:27 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A general election could be held if that is the only option available to bring political stability, Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) MP Harsha De Silva said today.

Dr. De Silva came out with this idea at a press conference in response to a questioned raised by journalists on holding a general election in March next year.

"We are not insisting that an election should be held but it should be considered if that is the only option available," Dr. De Silva said.

"Some people hold a wrong idea about finding funds for a general election. However Vérité Research Pvt Ltd has revealed that only Rs 5.7 billion has been spent for the 2020 general election even with the COVID 19 safety protocol. However a sum of Rs 19.1 billion has been allocated for ministry of defence construction projects in 2022 while Rs.12 billion is allocated for Defense Headquarters in 2022. These funds could be used if an election is held," he added.

"We propose forming of a proper multi party government for a short period and then one could hold a general election. International and local trust could be built this way," he stressed.

Referring to the talks he had with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the SJB MP said the talks was centred on expenditure management. "However it was transpired at this meeting that cutting down expenditure was not possible as greater percentage is spent for salaries, pensions and debt services. The option would be to increase revenue through overhauling of investment environment. Sri Lanka should go for manufacturing products which has an international demand. However those who sided with the premier are the ones who oppose building bridges with other countries.The issue is that the Prime Minister has no power constitutionally to implement his policies. Also President and the Prime Minister are going in two different ways," he said. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 19

Dillan Sunday, 19 June 2022 03:13 PM

No need election, religious leaders can select President and 225 MPs. Funny country

GHT Sunday, 19 June 2022 03:15 PM

Yes, undoubtedly you guys will be kicked out of Parliament in the next Election. We await celebrating that event soon.

John Fernando Sunday, 19 June 2022 03:41 PM

Government should consider stopping pension payments to people outside Sri Lanka. I know by experience those live in Australia either hold good positions receiving good salaries or receiving pensions from Australian government.

Anthony Sunday, 19 June 2022 03:56 PM

its better beg borrow and have elections immediately, since I just listen to a speech of Nagananda how Ranil and Sagala have got together and making mint where the Gas Tender is concerned.

Sandy Sunday, 19 June 2022 04:01 PM

Election is the best option , let's see how the protesting politicians are going to save the country

sss Sunday, 19 June 2022 04:07 PM

and another batch of dumb and corrupt persons will be appointed by dumb and corrupt public

joshua Sunday, 19 June 2022 04:45 PM

Yes, a general election and hope people will not elect any of the 225 morons

pushkara Sunday, 19 June 2022 05:08 PM

peo ple have nothing to eat, you are taking nonsonce.

Mobile and Agile Sunday, 19 June 2022 05:20 PM

We wish the Marriage of Convenience" between GR and Ranil break off as early as possible. In this sterile arrangement, every guilty person is sitting tight in his seat, and the whole nation is going backwards.

Dot Sunday, 19 June 2022 05:38 PM

What? Erection ?

Sam Silva Sunday, 19 June 2022 05:41 PM

Until the general elections are held our country will not be able to come out of this crisis very easily.

mp Sunday, 19 June 2022 06:12 PM

Will you spend for the election.?

Dr. Anushka Hettige Sunday, 19 June 2022 06:16 PM

Election ? Sir we eat only two meals per day. There is no difference between the JVP and you.

dickie bird Sunday, 19 June 2022 08:22 PM

General Elections ??? How will it solve the problem of the Country Mr. Foot Noter? Better ask GotaGoHome Gama people to form a mini Parliament

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 19 June 2022 11:18 PM

No solution to the crisis as the stupid people will vote for 225 agai on a different mix. Then they make deals between them and rob the country again.

Gayan Sunday, 19 June 2022 11:37 PM

To replace current crooks with former crooks?.no thanks.

Kamla Sunday, 19 June 2022 11:43 PM

Dr. Bla Bla....

S B Lokuge Monday, 20 June 2022 03:41 AM

You and your bug talks, but do not have the balls to act. You portrait yourself as a big financial wizard, but when invited to take a ministry you backed down. So just shut up.

Dee Monday, 20 June 2022 06:21 AM

And do what? Reappoint you guys? All talk only. Absolutely no idea of a solution!

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General election could be held if no other option remains: Harsha

Comments - 19

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