Govt mulls LG elections in Mullaitivu

by Ranil Wijayapala

The Government is contemplating whether elections for the Puthukudiyiruppu Pradeshiya Sabha and the Maritime Pattu Pradeshiya Sabha in the Mullaitivu district should be held before or after the completion of the de-mining process.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilleke told the Sunday Observer that the Government has to take a policy decision in this regard before the Elections Department announces a date to hold the election for the two local councils.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Deputy Minister Indika Bandaranayake told Parliament on Friday that his Ministry will hold the elections for the two local councils as early as possible.

The Ministry Secretary said that the nominations already called for are still valid and elections will be held accordingly.

He also said that if the Government decides to hold the elections for the two Councils before the completion of the de-mining process, it has to decide whether elections should be held at the IDP centres or at designated centres.

Elections in Maritime Pattu Pradeshiya Sabha and the Puthukudiyiruppu Pradeshiya Sabha where the final stages of the humanitarian operation was carried out in 2009 were postponed as the area has not been cleared of landmines.

When elections for these two local Councils are held it would ensure the functioning of all 335 local government bodies in the country the first time after the defeat of terrorism.