Bid to delay LG polls:JVP threatens legal action against public officials, ministers

By Saman Indrajith

The legal team of the JVP-led NPP, on Saturday, warned that five top public officials and the members of the entire Cabinet would have to face legal action if the local government elections, scheduled for 09 March, were delayed.

“The Cabinet has been trying to postpone the local council polls on various pretexts. In addition, there are five public officials who are collaborating with the government to delay the polls. They are violating the Constitution. They all must get ready to face the consequences of their actions when the Supreme Court is moved against them,” NPP National Committee member Attorney-at-Law, Sunil Watagala, said.

Addressing the media at the JVP headquarters in Pelawatte, Watagala said: “Now, the government has caused the postal voting to be postponed indefinitely. This may affect the entire electoral process. Some key public officials have said the poll postponement was due to a Cabinet decision to curtail government expenses.

“Then there are five other senior public officials who have sided with the government. They are Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, IGP CD Wickramratne, Attorney General, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Pelpita and Government Printer Gangani Liyanage. They have violated the provisions of the Establishments Code and several other statutes. They have acted against the Constitution which they have taken an oath to uphold.

” NPP Lawyers’ Association National Committee Members Attorneys-at-Law Upul Kumarapperuma, JM Wijebandara and Akalanka Ukawatte also addressed the press.