Political critics have expressed doubts whether he had made these comments to hold provincial council elections before the presidential election as the comments were made at a time when the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader Maithripala Sirisena has asked the Chief Justice to inform the Supreme Court before August 30 whether the provincial council election could be held in the absence of the limitation report.
However, the President's request will be taken up before a five-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira de Abrew, Prasanna Jayawardena and Vijith Malalgoda on 23 August.
"There is nothing we can do regarding this. We are ready to hold any election as per the directives given to us," Deshapriya said.
8 Provincial Councils which have completed their official term
Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council - 1 year and 10 months from the end of official term.
North Central Provincial Council - 1 year and 10 months from the end of official term.
Eastern Provincial Council - 1 year and 10 months from the end of office term.
Central Provincial Council - 10 months from the end of official term.
Northern Provincial Council - 10 months from the end of official term.
North Western Provincial Council - 10 months from the end of official term.
Western Provincial Council - 4 months from the end of official term.
Southern Provincial Council - 4 months from the end of official term.
According to what the Constitution states regarding the term of a Provincial Council, unless a provincial council is dissolved in advance, its term lasts five years from the date fixed for the first meeting of the provincial council. When that five year period has elapsed, the Provincial Council will be considered dissolved.
When is the Presidential Election?
According to the Election Commission, the President can call the Presidential Election at any time from January 8, 2019.
If the President decides to complete his term, the presidential election will be held in November or December.
As the term of the President expires on January 8, 2020 it is necessary to hold a presidential election at the latter part of this year.
Source - BBC Sandeshaya
