Minister says LG polls may cost Rs 20 bn, further burdening public

Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga says the Local Government election may cost the taxpayer as much as Rs 20 bn.

Declaring that the hapless public would be further burdened by the cash-strapped government having to spend so much money on LG polls, Urban Development and Housing Minister Ranatunga said that regardless of consequences the ruling SLPP was ready to face LG polls.

Minister Ranatunga said that the ruling party didn’t want to be blamed for the postponement of elections.

The Gampaha District SLPP heavyweight said that having completed initial preparations for LG polls the party was engaged in the process of selecting candidates. The minister said so in response to media queries after the conclusion of the Gampaha District Coordinating meeting in Gampaha.

Minister Ranatunga said that the SLPP was prepared to contest LG polls under the current or the previous system. Those who repeatedly demand that the number of LG members should be reduced by half should keep in mind the numbers were increased from 4,000 to 8,600 during yahapalana administration (SF)