Speaker Denies Receiving Supreme Court Verdict; Nalinda Jayatissa's Statement Sparks Controversy

Today; February 5, 2025, Speaker of Parliament Hon. (Dr.) Jagath Wickramaratne addressed inquiries regarding the Supreme Court's determination on the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill. Responding to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Speaker clarified that he had not yet received the Supreme Court's decision on the matter.

Opposition Leader Premadasa expressed concerns that, despite reports suggesting the Supreme Court's determination had been delivered and election schedules discussed in the media, the Speaker had not announced the decision in Parliament.

The Supreme Court had previously concluded hearings on petitions challenging certain clauses of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill. On January 27, 2025, the Court announced its decision to forward the sealed determination to both the President and the Speaker of Parliament.

Contradicting the Speaker's statement, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, the Chief Government Whip and Cabinet Media Spokesperson, had earlier indicated that the Supreme Court's determination had already been sent to the Speaker. This discrepancy has led to further discussions and scrutiny within parliamentary circles.

As of now, the official Supreme Court determination on the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill remains pending in Parliament.