Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, confirmed that the much-awaited Local Government Elections are scheduled to take place early next year. Speaking to the media in Kandy on the 23rd of November, the Minister provided details on the current situation and the government’s preparedness for the elections.
According to Herath, the Supreme Court has issued a ruling that the Local Government Elections should be held at the earliest opportunity. However, he clarified that no budgetary allocations had been made for these elections this year. Despite this, the Minister assured that the government has made necessary arrangements for the elections, particularly for the Pradeshiya Sabhas and Urban Councils.
Herath further emphasized the importance of these elections, pointing out that they would give the people an opportunity to elect their local representatives, a fundamental process in the democratic governance of the country. He also noted that although logistical challenges such as financial allocations and administrative preparations exist, the elections are still set to proceed early next year as planned.
The announcement has been welcomed by many, as the Local Government Elections have been postponed for an extended period due to various political and legal delays. The government now appears committed to fulfilling its democratic obligations by organizing the elections promptly in 2024.
In response to a question about the political implications of the elections, Herath did not provide specifics, but highlighted that the elections will provide voters in local councils an opportunity to shape their immediate political environment. The ruling government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is expected to face significant competition in several regions, with many anticipating changes in local governance dynamics.
The Local Government Elections are critical not only for the administrative functioning of local councils but also for reflecting the public’s stance on the broader political issues facing Sri Lanka at the moment.
