No Presidential poll next year

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

There will be no Presidential election next year, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. “However, Provincial Council elections for certain provinces may be held this year,” the minister said.

The minister was commenting on the UNP’s bid to follow a Gandhian non - violence mingled with guerrilla activities of Prabhakaran to forge an Avihinsavadhi Guerrilla Movement of the UNP. Speaking on the Halal certification, the minister said the government has no intention to secure the authority for Halal certification. “Halal certification is totally a religious activity. Therefore, the government will not intervene,” he said.