NGO Head: Delays in holding polls lead to political violence

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Delaying elections in Sri Lanka had always led to political violence, Executive Director of the Institute of Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said.

He said that he feared the current dispensation might want such an eventuality.

“Look at the last time we delayed an election, through the now infamous referendum of 1982. This was followed by the Black July. A number of leftist parties were banned after falsely accusing them of being behind the Black July. This in turn led to strengthening of militancy in the North and created an insurgency in the south. Over 60,000 youth were killed in the south alone. The next election was held in 1989, and by then Sri Lanka was a pool of blood,” he said.

Gajanayake said a number of leaders in the UNP administration in the 1980s still play a significant role in Sri Lankan politics.

The IRES Executive Director added that all of Sri Lanka’s elections can be held this year and all that lacks is the political will.

“Local council elections can be held any day. Provincial council elections could be held on any day if party leaders decide to hold the election under the old system. President can inform the elections commission that he wants to hold the presidential election, since it has been 4.5 years after the previous election. The general election can also be held at any time since it has been over 2.5 years since the last general election. The country needs an election for a resolution to all its problems,” he said.