Local Government act amended.
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
New political parties can enter the democratic stream.

Local Government (Special Provisions) act was passed by a majority of 54 in Parliament yesterday (23). 66 voted for it and 12 against. The JVP voted with the Government while the UNP abstained from voting. Tamil National Alliance voted against the legislation.Minister of Highways & Road Development, Jeyaraj Fernandopulle speaking on the debate stated that nominations for over 30 Local Government institutions forwarded had to be cancelled and Provision made for those displaced to cast their votes at some other polling booth. By canceling the existing nominations the election commissioner gets the opportunity to register new parties. By this the Karuna faction or the LTTE or any other party can seek registration and contest at election. They can enter the democratic stream. The Supreme Court has agreed to the act as in keeping to the constitution of Sri Lanka.
This provision was not in the earlier act. Therefore the amendment was necessary. The East also faced similar circumstances. The East is now ready for a local Government election.