Government Ready to Hold Provincial Council Elections: Tilvin Silva
28-Jul-2026.
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva says the Government is fully prepared to conduct the Provincial Council and Local Government elections, while alleging that the Opposition's latest alliance may have been formed to evade pending court cases.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after an event in Colombo.
Silva said Opposition figures, including former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, had not formed a new alliance, as they had worked together in the past as well.
"Although the Opposition has united, the people continue to stand with the Government. Recent election opinion polls clearly confirm this. The Opposition is merely a gathering of defeated politicians, and their alliance will not change the political landscape," he said.
He further stated that the Opposition posed no challenge to the Government, accusing its leaders of continuing to pursue outdated politics and old ways of thinking.
"Many of those present at their gathering are facing court cases. It is possible that they have united primarily to escape those legal proceedings. Even after coming together, they have not discussed the country's future or any development agenda. Instead, they appear to be focused on how to avoid legal action and regain political power," he alleged.
Silva said the Government would not be deterred by the Opposition's actions and would continue its programme of national development.
"Democracy has been firmly established in the country, and everyone has the right to hold protests and demonstrations. Unlike in the past, no repressive measures will be used. Ultimately, it is the people who will decide," he said.
He also reiterated that the Government is fully prepared to hold both Provincial Council and Local Government elections. However, he noted that certain legal issues remain unresolved and that elections would be held once those matters are addressed.
Commenting on recent parliamentary disclosures, Silva said it is normal for Members of Parliament to present information available to them in Parliament, and if such information is inaccurate, those concerned have the right to deny it.
He added that although Opposition MPs have made numerous false claims in Parliament, lawyers' associations also have the right to disclose information available to them.
