Provincial Council system is not a white elephant: ECSL Chairman

COLOMBO (News 1st); Chairman of the Election Commission Nimal G. Punchihewa says that the Provincial Council system is not a white elephant, despite attempts being made to spread false propaganda. Speaking to News 1st, the Chairman of the Elections Commission, Nimal G. Punchihewa said that the Provincial Council has been functioning without people's representatives for many years now, however the Election Commission is of the standpoint that there should be public representatives for the masses. Speaking further, he mentioned that there should be public representation above Local Government bodies. Furthermore, the Elections Commission Chairman said that institutions such as Parliaments and local government bodies, as well as provincial councils above them, should remain active. However, a report which was compiled recently has proven that Provincial Council fund has allocated only 0.03% of the salaries of MPs and ministers, the Elections Commission Chairman added.