MP Nizam Kariapper yesterday accused the government of breaking its promise to hold Provincial Council elections, criticizing what he called misleading statements and deliberate delays.
“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake once told this House that Provincial Council elections will be held. Not only that, he said the same on every election stage. But this week he came to Parliament and told us with a smirk, ‘how can I hold elections when there is no law, make this law and give it to me…’ I had to wonder if this speech was by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake or President Ranil Wickremesinghe,” Kariapper said.
He questioned why President Dissanayake, with majority control in Parliament, was seeking opposition support to draft necessary laws.
“We made laws. Our MP Rasamanickam drafted a law which was tossed in the bin. Then they came up with a report of their own, saying that a select committee must be formed to create our own mechanism. Isn’t it better to tell the people honestly and directly that you don’t want the provincial council election? Why are you lying to the public with these tricks?” He questioned.
Kariapper alleged that the government is intentionally avoiding elections, not due to fear of losing, but because of opposition to the provincial council system itself.
“You could have told this directly. I wished to vote in favour of the provincial council ministry as a gesture of respect for the minister. But you have destroyed the election. I will tear this report and oppose this,” he said, tearing the report in Parliament. (Newswire)