Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) condemns the anti-democratic bills presented to Parliament by SLPP MP Jayantha Ketagoda to re-convene the dissolved Local Government Authorities (LGAs) without holding elections.
TISL believes this move would be a heavy blow to the sovereignty enshrined in the Constitution.
Local Government Members are the grass-roots level public representatives. Regular elections are essential for the people’s mandate to reflect in the LGAs. In addition, this Amendment sets a bad precedent as it creates a risk of abusing the legal framework to prevent holding timely elections, including national elections. The move can lead to the people losing faith in the entire democratic system in the country, with negative implications for the rule of law as well.
Therefore, TISL emphasizes that any attempt to pass this Amendment must be roundly defeated.
TISL calls on all citizens to oppose this move.
