The ruling United National Party General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara defended his recent statement on postponing major elections for two years, claiming that the said statement is completely constitutional and democratic.

A huge controversy was sparked last week by a statement made by Range Bandara that a motion should be passed to postpone the upcoming Elections—the Presidential and the General/Parliamentary—by at least two years, which received scathing criticism from Parliamentary Opposition parties and civil society organisations.

However, speaking to the media yesterday (3), he said that he would stand by what he said, claiming that he has not proposed anything unconstitutional and undemocratic. Stating that many Opposition members had not understood the essence of his statement, Range Bandara noted that the referendum that he proposed is mentioned in the Constitution. He claimed that people will have the opportunity to vote in a referendum, which is the same as an election, and that it is more simple and affordable than a Presidential Election. “I did not suggest anything unconstitutional. In a referendum, we can get a clear picture of the public opinion. People get the opportunity to vote. It is more simple, effective, and affordable,” he claimed. He opined that a Presidential Election would be more important if all the parties and their candidates pledged to continue the current economic programme implemented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as otherwise, it would lead the country into a greater crisis. He also said that the country needs a clear and steady economic path rather than what is proposed by populist political groups. “In 2027, we have to restart paying debts. We have to achieve significant economic growth for that. If we overturn the economic reforms, that would lead to another crisis. Therefore, first, we should secure the people’s right to live, which is entitled in the Constitution,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference held last week, Range Bandara said that the Presidential and the Parliamentary Elections must be postponed for two years and that the proposal should be tabled in the Parliament, while calling for a referendum only if necessary. “Postpone these two elections for two years. These issues (a reference to the economic crisis) can be resolved within those two years, and afterwards, elections can be held. All the parliamentarians should support this. We can call for a referendum if it is needed. If there is a referendum, no one can claim that the Government is attempting to curtail democracy and the right to vote,” Range Bandara added.