Local government elections after the general elections

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Local Government Elections would be held this year after the General Elections, president secretariat said. He further said that there would be opportunity in future for voters to select their Local Government Ministers under the new ward system. He made these observations, speaking at the opening of the Rajitha Senaratne Playground and the new sub-office of the Beruwela Pradeshiya Sabha in Payagala, May 12, 2015. The President said that the local bodies whose terms would lapse in May 15 would be placed under Special Commissioners, according to the Local Government Act and he said that he intended to appoint as special commissioners, officers who are presently working as Secretaries at Local Authorities. “It is the nature of the act and it is not a decision of the President to hold the Local Government Polls”, President Maithripala added. He further said that today, there is freedom for the people to act freely today and, similarly Ministers and Public Servants can work independently.