However, the fear of possible postponement of such elections has also gripped the opposition prompting it to explore the formation of a united front to nix such attempts, Daily Mirror learns.

As part of this exercise to reach a common understanding to work against the government over such moves, Nidahasa Janatha Sabhawa led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma held a meeting with the JVP-led alliance National People’s Power (NPP) last week and discussed the need to stand united.

The two parties- both in the opposition - opined that the current government postponed the elections to the local authorities indefinitely, and the same will be done regarding other key elections.

JVP MP Vijitha Herath who attended the meeting told Daily Mirror that there was no specific mention at his party’s meeting with Mr. Alahapperuma about the possible postponement of the presidential elections, but the need for united action against what he called ‘further suppression of right to exercise franchise’ was discussed in detail.

“The postponement of the presidential election is deadly. It cannot be done merely through constitutional amendments only. It should be done with the approval of people by referendum. However, there are instances in Sri Lankan history where the parliamentary elections were postponed,” he said.

However, according to political sources from both the government and the opposition, the presidential election is likely to be conducted by the middle of next year. A common opposition candidate, as done during the elections in 2010 and 2015, is unlikely this time since the NPP, a party with force to be reckoned with in the opposition, has already announced its leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the candidate. Also, the major opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and NPP are poles apart in terms of political culture and thinking. Any union between them for a common candidate is easily ruled out as a result.

Mr. Alahapperuma also harboured ambition at one point to be the common candidate of the opposition, but it is no longer realistic now since the key parties have decided on their candidates.

The ruling party groups work for the candidacy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. A sizable section of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is now in action to galvanize the party machinery at grassroots level ahead of elections pending. The group, acting under the ostensible leadership of MP Nimal Lanza, is to form a party ahead of the elections and campaign rigorously for the president.

(Kelum Bandara)