Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake has confirmed that the General Election will be held on Nov. 14 and preparations are well underway.

In a media briefing earlier today (Nov. 04), he assured the public that all electoral officials, including assistant and deputy commissioners, are actively working to ensure a smooth election process. He expects around 1.7 million voters to have the chance to cast their votes at polling stations on that day.

Ratnayake emphasized that the elections will follow the regulations outlined in the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981. Despite facing some legal challenges, he confirmed that there will be no delays in the election schedule.

He also added that any citizen who feels they have been treated unfairly has the right to file a petition for their fundamental rights and that unless directed by the courts, election preparations will continue as planned. 

However, we are aware that there is no legal obstacle. Therefore, the General Election will be held on Nov. 14, he said.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition challenging the decision to hold the General Elections on November 14. 

A three-member bench of judges comprising Justices Preethi Padman Surasena, Shiran Gunaratne and Priyantha Fernando issued the order after an extended review of the presented facts. 

The court ruled to dismiss the petition without proceeding to a formal hearing.