The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has formally called on the government to hold the long-delayed Provincial Council elections, warning that continued postponement would undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
Addressing a press conference in Colombo on Sunday, former Chief Opposition Whip and SJB senior leader Lakshman Kiriella said the government had given assurances to India that the polls would be conducted expeditiously. Provincial Council elections have not been held island-wide since 2013, with councils across all nine provinces sitting without elected members for periods stretching from 2017 to 2023.
Responding to questions about disunity among Opposition parties, Kiriella maintained that the strength and direction of the anti-government forces would become evident once an election was formally declared. “The Opposition’s unity will become clear after the election is announced,” he said, describing the declaration of polls as the critical trigger for a reconfiguration of the political landscape.
Kiriella said that while Opposition groups were currently focused on maintaining individual identities, an election announcement would act as a catalyst for a broad alliance — which he expressed confidence would emerge under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa. A formal political alignment, he argued, would only materialise under the pressure of an active election cycle.
He said Opposition parties already cooperate in Parliament on specific national issues, but a fully coordinated front against the government would depend on an active poll timetable.
The SJB’s demand comes as a parliamentary Select Committee continues to study the legal barriers to holding Provincial Council polls. The committee has been awaiting Attorney General guidance since early April, with amendments to the Provincial Councils Elections Act and delimitation rules flagged as outstanding technical obstacles.
Kiriella said the immediate priority was the holding of Provincial Council polls, and the Opposition was awaiting concrete action from the government in line with what he described as the “reported timeline” of commitments given to New Delhi.
