Presidential election ‘most probably’ on Oct. 5 or 12

Sri Lanka’s presidential poll will be held this year on Oct. 5 or 12, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry said in parliament.

“Do not doubt that the presidential election will be held between September 17 and October 17 this year. It will probably be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, or Saturday, Oct. 12,” Sabry said.

The government has no intention of postponing it, he said.

“The president is not afraid to go before the people because he has accomplished something. He has a report card.

Based on that report card, the people will make the decision. This government and the president have no intention to stay on a day extra.”

Sabry said that parties feared an election, and those who wanted to destabilize the country were spreading false information about postponing elections.

“We are preparing for an election.”