The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we know that Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, at one point, presented a Bill on this matter. As the Hon. Member noted, former MP Sumanthiran also presented a Bill. We are taking all that into consideration. Once we commenced this process, it became clear that it takes some time. However, we will proceed expeditiously. As a Government, we have no intention whatsoever of postponing elections. Protecting the democratic rights of the people is our foremost responsibility. Our Government’s policy statement also confirms our commitment to hold Provincial Council elections. We have stated that we will move towards devolution through a scientific process. Until then, we accept that the existing Provincial Council framework should function. Accordingly, we will take the necessary steps to conduct the elections, and we trust we will receive the cooperation of all parties in the Opposition.