Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has alleged that the incumbent government, which he claims is alarmed by the results of the Local Government elections, is deliberately delaying the Provincial Council polls.
He made these remarks on Saturday (6) while addressing a meeting with former provincial councillors at the Office of the Opposition Leader.
Premadasa further stated that the government is currently reluctant to face the public, which he said has resulted in hesitancy to conduct the Provincial Council elections.
He also highlighted that the government had reportedly lost approximately 2.3 million votes between the General Election and the subsequent Local Government elections.
The Opposition Leader further alleged that, due to fears of losing further votes, the government is attempting to prevent the holding of Provincial Council elections.
Emphasising the need to safeguard universal franchise and protect democratic principles, he stated that the public is prepared to express its voice through elections.
He added that, under the current circumstances, holding the Provincial Council elections is the most appropriate means of strengthening democracy.
