Several Opposition parties have urged the Election Commission (EC) to postpone the local government (LG) polls until late April 2025 in view of the upcoming budget debate and the Sinhala and Tamil New year.

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), among others, have formally submitted a written request to the EC, citing multiple concerns.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, SLFP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera highlighted that the 2025 Budget was set to be presented soon and it would impact the LG polls campaign.

He said the Budget process, which begins on 17 February and concludes at the end of March, would span an entire month, hindering the opposition’s ability to campaign effectively.

“All members of our parties are from various regions across the country and need to engage in campaigning. However, it will be impossible for the 66 opposition MPs to do so, as they will be required to attend the Budget debates. This will severely hinder their campaigning efforts,” MP Jayasekera stated.

Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, also addressing the media, emphasised the need to take into consideration April New Year celebrations and the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination. He also said the Opposition usually played a key role in the budget debate and all its MPs would have to be present in the House, and therefore they would not be able to take part in election campaigns during that period.