Sri Lankan government says Parliamentary Council could appoint new Elections Commissioner

The Sri Lankan government Friday said that a new Elections Commissioner would be appointed following the appointment of the Parliamentary Council in line with the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

Chief Government Whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told parliament today that although the current Elections Commissioner was to retire on February 28, 2002, the inactive Elections Commission had prevented him from retiring from the post.
Gunawardena made this comment in response to a question raised by opposition UNP parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara in parliament.
Jayasekara questioned the government as to when the Elections Commissioner will be retiring and whether his fundamental rights have been breached by not permitting him to retire.