Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, conveying the Attorney General’s opinion, has informed the Parliamentary Select Committee that the Provincial Council elections cannot be held even under the previous system without passing a new Bill in Parliament.
His remarks came during the meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament to identify appropriate reforms of the election laws and the electoral system and to recommend necessary amendments held on Friday (October 08).
The minister told the committee members that this a legal impediment to hold the Provincial Council elections, which were functioning for a prolonged period of time without people’s representatives.
Various members of the committee had previously stressed the need to hold Provincial Councils elections without delay and reiterated the same sentiments during yesterday’s meeting.
Although the existing Act on Provincial Council elections is repealed, the polls cannot be held under any system without enacting a new Act, the Attorney General has informed the committee.
