Gammanpila alleges government plot to delay PC elections

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader Udaya Gammanpila claimed today (9) that the government is planning to postpone Provincial Council elections due to a significant drop in its popularity.

Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo, the former Minister alleged that a recent private survey revealed the government’s current vote base has plummeted to below 25%, leaving them fearful of a major electoral defeat.

Gammanpila dismissed the government's justification that "Cyclone Ditwah" necessitated a delay, labeling the excuse a "joke."

He pointed out that Sri Lanka successfully conducted national elections in 1988 and 1989 despite facing dual threats of terrorism in both the North and South.

He further suggested that any legal hurdles could be cleared by simply introducing a three-clause bill to repeal the 2018 Provincial Council Election Act, allowing polls to be held under the previous system.

The PHU leader challenged the government to prove his claims wrong by immediately introducing the necessary legislation to hold the elections.

He warned that delaying polls often backfires on the ruling party, noting that the National People's Power (NPP) has seen a rapid decline in support since the parliamentary elections in late 2024.