The Hon. P. Ruwan Senarath - Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, today we take up the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill to resolve the long-pending postponement of local government elections originally fixed for 09.03.2023 but deferred without a new date.

¶ 02 Sri Lanka has 341 local authorities; except for Elpitiya, elections in 340 bodies have been pending. Years without polls have left these institutions without elected representatives; service delivery has weakened; revenue collection and citizen services have suffered. People are calling for action. We must swiftly hold elections and restore elected bodies to address day-to-day needs at grassroots level: rural roads, street lighting, water and other essentials.

¶ 03 We saw how the former Government behaved — even after fixing the date and completing preparations, they postponed the poll. The then President told Parliament there was no postponement and no date had been officially declared, yet the election did not occur. The Hansard of 23 February 2023 records this. Opposition Members, including those who spoke today, held placards demanding the election be held. Yet recently, delegations have gone to the Election Commission seemingly to explore further delay, raising doubts about sincerity. Clarify plainly whether you want the election held.

¶ 04 This Bill contains important provisions: cancelling old nominations and enabling new ones so that new voters and young candidates are not disenfranchised. A 25% youth representation under 35 years on nomination lists is significant, as is enhanced space for women. Some now claiming credit forget the historical context: youth were once suppressed and denied rights; the present reforms arise from the lessons of those times and from recommendations to bring youth into democratic politics.

¶ 05 On deposits: the Bill provides mechanisms to refund deposits consistent with the law. If candidates have crossed to other parties, recovery is a matter between them and those parties.

¶ 06 The Government today has presented a new “transformational” Budget focused on eradicating rural poverty, digitalization, and the Clean Sri Lanka initiative. Effective local government is essential to implement these at ground level. Therefore, we must conduct the elections promptly to restore all 340 inactive bodies.

¶ 07 Opposition media appearances suggest readiness, but we know many face internal crises and now seek cover by citing exams, New Year, etc., to push for delay. Do not seek to mask unpreparedness at the expense of democracy. The people’s franchise is a constitutional right; when terms expire, elections must be held.

¶ 08 Serious issues like solid waste management demand elected oversight. Under Clean Sri Lanka, significant allocations will address waste, urban beautification and new town development through local bodies. We will also review and investigate past corruption in local authorities.

¶ 09 Currently, many institutions face internal administrative problems among officials. Elections will restore accountability. With renewed councils, we can address rural infrastructure, lighting, potable water and basic services. By confirming the franchise, expanding youth and women’s representation, and passing this amendment, we can proceed to polls without delay. As Government, we are committed to holding the election swiftly. Thank you.