Former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has strongly criticized the continued operation of Provincial Councils without elected representatives, calling it a violation of democratic principles.
Addressing the media, Deshapriya said that while some argue the councils can function administratively, “it is a crime to operate a public representative organization without public representatives.”
He warned that if Provincial Councils are allowed to run without members, the same logic could extend to Parliament and local councils, undermining the very foundation of representative governance.
He stressed that officials cannot substitute for elected representatives, as they are not directly accountable to the public.
Deshapriya announced that he will reveal further details on September 15, World Democracy Day, and expressed hope that by then the government will have announced the format and date for long‑delayed Provincial Council elections. (Newswire)