Major Lankan Poll By October Without Fail, Minister Amaraweera Assures Outgoing Kiwis HC

Local News Media Info

Shakila Ifham

January 11, 2024

The government will hold the Presidential Election or the General Election without fail by October this year, Agriculture and Plantation Industry Mahinda Amaraweera has told outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Michael Appleton.

Mr. Appleton made a farewell call on Minister Amaraweera recently.

The meeting took place at the Ministry of Agriculture in Battaramulla and the Secretary to the Ministry Janaka Dharmakeerthi and others also participated in the discussion.
 
Appreciating the long diplomatic service of the New Zealand High Commissioner, the Minister of Agriculture said that he expects the continued support of the New Zealand government to increase the dairy industry in our country.
 
“You have rendered a long diplomatic service in our country. In this regard, I express my gratitude to you on behalf of the government,” said the minister.
 
The New Zealand ambassador who expressed his opinion asked the minister whether this year is an election year

“Yes. This year is an election year. I advised my ministry officials that 2024 is not twelve months away. Considering that this year ends in October, all development projects should be implemented promptly.
One of the two main elections, the general election or the presidential election, will be held by October this year. The government has named this year as an election year.”
 
The New Zealand High Commissioner asked whether the President Ranil Wickremesinghe would contest the presidential election.
 
“His Excellency has not given a definite answer on that yet. He did a great job to rebuild the country in difficult times. Also, I believe that the President is the most suitable candidate among those who are currently preparing to contest the presidential election. But the president should decide whether to compete or not,” the minister said.
 
Commenting on the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s readiness, the Minister emphasized that the Central Committee of the SLFP will decide on it in the future, and that no decision has been taken so far.