Writ petition against holding the LG elections put off for September 4

A Writ petition filed by a retired Army Colonel seeking an order quashing the decision of the Election Commission to hold the local government elections was postponed to September 4 by the Supreme Court.   President's Counsel Saliya Pieris appearing for the Election Commission informed that as of today, the Election Commission has not fixed a specific date for the election. He said the election could be held soon after the release of funds by the Treasury or on an occasion subsequent to a court order to hold the election.   The Treasury Secretary had earlier filed several affidavits informing the public that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge since the government has to give priority to essential services.   In his petition, Colonel Wijesundera had sought an order quashing the decision of the Election Commission to hold the Local Government elections to be held before March 10.   President's Counsel Faisz Mustapha, with Counsel Faisza Mustapha Markar, Eraj de Silva, and Sujeewan Hendavitharana, appeared for the petitioner.