Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of deliberately delaying Provincial Council elections because it fears a decline in public support following the Local Government election results.Speaking at a meeting with former Provincial Council members at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Premadasa claimed the government had lost approximately 2.3 million votes between the parliamentary and local government elections and was reluctant to face another electoral test. He said the administration was avoiding Provincial Council polls because it feared losing further support.Premadasa argued that holding Provincial Council elections was important to safeguard democratic rights and allow citizens to express their views. He said the public was prepared to hold the government accountable over rising living costs and other economic pressures.

The Opposition Leader also warned against granting any government excessive political power, saying that strong checks and balances were necessary to prevent abuse of authority. He added that even his own party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, would only seek a reasonable parliamentary majority rather than unlimited power.

Criticizing the government’s economic policies, Premadasa said authorities had failed to reduce electricity tariffs and fuel costs despite holding a strong mandate. He accused the administration of neglecting public hardships after coming to power on promises of addressing people’s concerns.

Premadasa also announced plans to establish a national steering committee to campaign for the conduct of Provincial Council elections and to advocate for the concerns of local communities.

Defending the Provincial Council system, he rejected claims that the councils were ineffective, arguing that they had played a significant role in regional development and investment promotion in the past.

On constitutional reform, Premadasa said his party supports implementing the 13th Amendment in its current form, rejecting what he described as conflicting positions taken by some political groups on devolution of power