Sri Lanka Supreme Court Ruling on Local Elections

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has found President Ranil Wickremesinghe guilty of 'arbitrary and unlawful' conduct for delaying local council elections initially scheduled for March 2023. The court determined that Wickremesinghe's failure to allocate necessary funds violated citizens' constitutional rights, despite his argument that the funds were needed for urgent economic recovery efforts. The ruling, which does not impose immediate legal consequences due to his immunity while in office, mandates that the elections be held as soon as possible without disrupting the upcoming presidential election on September 21. Wickremesinghe, who faces strong opposition in his re-election bid, defended his actions by stating he prioritized the right to life amid ongoing economic challenges. This decision follows widespread public discontent and austerity measures instituted under an IMF bailout plan. The court also ordered the state to cover the legal fees of the petitioners who challenged the election postponement.