EC tells Supreme Court General Elections cannot be held on June 20

The Election Commission, represented by Saliya Pieris PC informed the five bench Supreme Court today that postponed general election on June 20 cannot be held considering the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation prevailing in the country.

Explaining the courts in detail on how the Election Commission acted in good faith in the recent past taking public health concerns into consideration during this unprecedented time, he said that elections can be held within 9-11 weeks following the ‘green light’ given by the Health authorities.  

He said he has been instructed by the Chairman of Election Commission that the proposed date- June 20- was fixed by the Commission after much deliberation of current situation and on the assumption that islandwide curfew would be lifted by April 27.  

Following the submission made by Saliya Pieris PC, M. A. Sumanthiran PC who appeared for the Fundamental Rights petition (SCFR 83/2020) filed by Charitha Gunaratne seeking substantial relief of not to allow polls to be conducted on June 20 informed the courts that he does not wish to pursue the petition anymore since relief was granted.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing seven Fundamental Rights petitions filed against dissolution of the Parliament and fixing June 20 to hold elections during the coronavirus outbreak.