JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva says the Government expects to hold the Provincial Council Elections next year, if no further major issues arise.Speaking at the opening of the National People’s Power (NPP) Jaffna District office, Silva said funds had initially been allocated in the last Budget to conduct the Provincial Council polls this year.

However, he said the Government was forced to redirect around Rs. 50 billion towards disaster relief and recovery efforts following the recent “Ditwha” cyclone situation.

Silva also pointed to unresolved legal complications surrounding the Provincial Council electoral system, stating that changes made during former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s period had created issues regarding the legal framework under which the elections should be held.He said a Parliamentary Committee has now been appointed to study the matter and recommend the legal basis for conducting the polls.

“If no other major issues arise, we believe it may be possible to hold the Provincial Council Elections by next year,” Silva said