Auspicious day & time to be considered for Presidential election day

Auspicious times widely followed by candidates keeping with traditions will be taken into consideration by the Election Commission in fixing the date and time for the conduct on the Presidential polls.

Chairman of the Election Commission R.M.A.L. Ratnayake told a news conference today said that usually, candidates follow auspicious time and therefore they too would fix a date and time ensuring that the ‘Rahu Kalaya’ (inauspicious time is avoided).

The Election Commission, with effect from tomorrow would be empowered to announce the day to receive nominations.

However, Chairman Ratnayake said that the date will be announced by the end of the month and still will be within the time frame, keeping with the Constitution.

He said, given the time frame the Commission could hold on announcing the nomination day until August 20, but the Commission will be announcing the date by end of the month given time for candidates to campaign for the elections.

However the Opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya have been calling that the nominations be announced on the available first opportunity.

But, Mr Ratanayake explained that more preparatory work needs to be carried out before the announcement is made.

Constitutionally the Presidential election should be held on a date between September 17 and October 16.

Pix by Eshan Fernando