Colombo (News 1st) – The National Elections Commission today (September 17) hinted on the day the presidential election would likely take place.

Secretaries and representatives from accepted political parties were called to the National Elections Commission to discuss matters relating to future elections and propaganda campaigns.

A spokesperson for the JHU, Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe stated that the Presidential Election would most likely take place on November 15th. The National Elections Commission stated that the Gazette on the presidential election would most likely be released in the coming week.

Leader of the National Unity Alliance, Azath Salley stated that it was clear if a person is a citizen of another country, he or she cannot contest in the presidential election.

He further proved his statement referring to Section 212 which he claimed clearly indicates even if dual citizenship is renounced, the person in question will be in the control of the US Government.

Journalists further raised a question regarding any announcements made by the President expressing his desire to contest to which he replied that they have given a letter but an announcement is yet to be made as there is time.

National Organizer of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Basil Rajapaksa stated that the National Elections Commission today requested all the candidates to submit an affidavit claiming they are not unqualified.

Journalists directed a question regarding Karu Jayasuriya’s statement that if he is made the presidential candidate, his first task in office would be to abolish the Executive Presidency to which he replied that it was always repeated at many elections

Journalists further brought forward a question regarding SLFP’s hesitancy to support them even with the election approaching to which he replied that he is not aware of it and that SLFP did support them at the indicated meeting.

Another question was raised regarding if the symbol of the party would be changed. He said, “the tower may also change”, in response.

General Secretary of the UPFA, Mahinda Amaraweera stated that they prefer to contest under the betel leaf symbol. He further added that it will be fair to reach a middle-stance as they did not want to contest under the betel leaf.

General Secretary of the UNP, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam highlighted that as the General Secretary of the Party every decision he makes must coincide with the party constitution. He further added that all decisions will be made by the Working Committee.

He further emphasized that just as the Deputy Leader who is seeking to be the presidential candidate, everyone is important to win the election

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