The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, Hon. Shanakiyan spoke about the Provincial Councils Elections and his Private Member’s Motion. I presented the related matters this morning. He also made a comment about “if I have a backbone.” I challenge him: if he has a backbone, say in the Chamber what he told me in the Lobby. In the Lobby he said, “We also have to go and tell our people something, somehow.” That is the truth and the problem. We will definitely conduct the Provincial Councils Elections. Certain legal issues must be resolved. We have submitted a proposal for that. At the Parliamentary Special Committee, all of you can present views and take necessary steps. Then we can hold the election. We are not afraid to postpone elections. We have allocated provisions for it. We will not postpone elections; not at all. We have provided allocations and will hold them. For a long time, there were people in this Parliament who did not take necessary legal steps. After long discussions, the elections were halted. Therefore, we cannot resolve this instantly. We will proceed in an orderly manner, take the necessary interventions and hold the elections. Do not have doubts about that.