Election Fatigue? PM Emphasizes Importance of Local Polls

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has made a compelling appeal, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming local elections. 

Reflecting on the journey that began in 2024, she highlighted the significant strides made in cleaning the executive presidency and parliament, and the ongoing efforts to fulfill the promises made to the people.

"In 2024, we started this journey. It's barely six months now since the presidential election, maybe five and a half months since the parliamentary election. And we've begun to fulfill the responsibility that you have placed on us," Dr. Amarasuriya stated. She acknowledged the election fatigue felt by many citizens, noting that this is the third election in six months.

Despite this fatigue, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the upcoming election, describing it as "extremely critical." She underscored the need for good, honest, and incorruptible local councils that are aligned with the political culture and policies at the national level. "If there's a misalignment, if there are contradictions, it makes it very difficult to implement things that we design from the top to implement it at the local level," she explained.

Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the broader journey of cleaning the political culture, ensuring accountability and transparency, and making democracy work for the people. She emphasized that democracy is not just about voting but also about engaging with the people and making elected leaders more accountable and approachable.

"The journey that we started in 2024 must continue," she concluded, urging the nation to support the ongoing efforts to build a transparent and accountable governance system.