Dissident SLPP MP Prof. G. L. Peiris and General Secretary of the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Ranjith Madduma Bandara yesterday (16) briefed the Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake regarding their growing concerns about the devious actions of the government.

Following the briefing Prof Peiris told the media outside the EC office they had brought President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent declaration that he wouldn’t comment on the presidential poll until the completion of action in respect of the ongoing IMF-led programme.

Declaring that Wickremesinghe had no role whatsoever regarding the presidential poll scheduled for later this year, the former External Affairs Minister emphasised the EC is constitutionally entrusted with the task of conducting the poll.

Referring to alleged moves on the part of President Wickremesinghe to cancel nominations of postponed Local Government polls, Prof. Peiris said that it would be a massive waste of public funds.

How could you cancel nominations after having spent over Rs 1 bn for printing of ballot papers and other expenses? Prof. Peiris asked. The former minister alleged that the President’s move was meant to pave the way for those who had handed over nominations to get involved in the overall presidential polls campaign.

Lawmaker Peiris appreciated the stand taken by the EC in the wake of the Supreme Court declaring State Minister Diana Gamage’s inability to continue as an MP. The EC’s actions thwarted attempts by the government and other interested parties to propagate that SC ruling on SJB National List MP Gamage would have an adverse impact on other SJB MPs.

Both Prof. Peiris and SJB General Secretary Bandara said that their campaign was on track and by the end of this year Sajith Premadasa would be the President. (SF)