Over 10,000 SLFP applications for LG polls

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has so far received over 10,000 applications from party members to contest in the upcoming Local Government Election. This is the highest number of applications ever received in history for a local Government Election, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Addressing the media after a ceremony held at his office yesterday, Minister Sirisena said that the SLFP expects around 100,000 applications by January 15, the day of closing date for applications. The party received over 7,000 applications in two days.

This shows the interest the party members have in contesting the Local Government Election and the confidence they have in the stable future of the Government.

Minister Sirisena pointed out that as usual the United National Party (UNP) is boasting about winning the Local Government Election but during the past they did the same and were defeated.

It is usual for the UNP to talk like this before getting defeated and facing a disaster, he said.

Minister Sirsena pointed out that considering the Cricket World Cup matches to be held in Colombo, Galle and Kandy, Municipal Council and Urban Council Elections in those areas will be scheduled later.

The election will take place in all the other areas including North and East.

The formal inquiry on the three Provincial Council Members who had been accused for taking bribes will commence this week. They are likely to loose their memberships. The reports on their activities have already been handed over in order to commence the inquiry, Minister Sirisena said.