Bankrupt Sri Lanka to delay local elections due to lack of funding

by Sharmini
Feb 22, 2023

Local elections which were set to take place next month are to be delayed due to the lack of funding the Election Commission announced. 

The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that the Sri Lankan Treasury has refused to fund the printing of ballot papers, fuel or police protection for polling booths.

"I had given an undertaking to the Supreme Court recently that the poll will be held on time," Election Commission chief Nimal Punchihewa reportedly told AFP.

"But, I am now informing court that we won't be able to do it because the government is not releasing the necessary funds."

The elections due to take place on March 9 were going to be the first elections to take place on the island following the economic and social unrest that erupted last year. 

Sri Lanka is currently in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek a $2.9 billion bailout after it defaulted on its external debt last year. Sri Lanka's depleted foreign reserves have left the island struggling for fuel, food, medicines and now ballot papers too. 

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