Sri Lankan government postpones passing LG elections bills in parliament

The Sri Lankan government Tuesday said that a decision has been made to postpone the passing of two Local Government Bills in the House.


Local Government and Provincial Councils Minister A.L.M. Athaulla told parliament that the debate on the two bills will not be carried out today.

The Minister said that more time was needed to debate the bill and to introduce more amendments.

The two bills presented for debate in parliament today were the Local Authorities (Special Provisions) Bill and the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday (3) said it would seek a postponement of the Bills in the parliament.

However, when Athaulla made the statement, the UNP objected saying that the opposition was informed that the Bills would be passed today.

Chief Opposition Whip, John Amaratunga charged that the government was delaying the passing of the Bills due to its fear to face elections under a new electoral system.