MP says some in Sri Lanka trying to re-establish a monarchy

The United National Party (UNP) says it is yet to get clearance from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to visit the north despite repeated requests.

Election commissioner has called elections for Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council.

The nominations for the local elections are to be closed on 24 June.

'Establishing a monarchy'

UNP Deputy General Secretary Jayalath Jayawardene, MP, told journalists in Colombo that the party has completed nomination papers but unable to file the papers due to obstacles to visit the electorate.

There is no dictatorship in our country. And Sri Lanka is not a kingdom though some people are trying to re-establish a monarchy   Jayalath Jayawardene, MP

“How can a country re-establish democracy if no conducive atmosphere even to file nomination papers for local elections,” he questioned.

The UNP questions the attitude of the authorities while political, civil society and religious leaders call for the democracy to be strengthened after the end of decades of civil war.

“There is no dictatorship in our country. And Sri Lanka is not a kingdom though some people are trying to re-establish a monarchy,” he said.

The last resort for the UNP, he said, is taking legal action and the party general secretary has already instructed lawyers to advice.