Delayed provincial poll to be held next year, govt. lawmakers say

COLOMBO (News1st): The delayed provincial council elections will be held next year, government parliamentarians have said. "We hope to discuss these matters at the earliest," Keheliya Rambukwella, media minister, said on Sunday. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, an elected lawmaker, said the poll is likely to be held under the old electoral system as it is efficient. "We hope to conduct the poll within the next six months," he said. The term of all nine provincial councils has ended. Meanwhile, the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Vihara has said all local authorities must be abolished in the country. "The municipal councils, urban councils, and provincial councils are not necessary," Ven. Walawahengunawewa Dhammarathana Nayake Thera said. He pointed out that around Rs 60 million is paid monthly for the members of Pradeshiya Sabhas and its chairmen.