Civil society groups and election monitors continue to demand for the conduct of elections.

Convener of the March 12 Movement Rohana Hettiarachchi said certain factions are now attempting to use the judiciary to delay the conduct of the Local Authorities Election.

Rohana Hettiarachchi said if such measures are taken they will take necessary steps to defeat attempts to delay the election.

Convener of the March 12 Movement Rohana Hettiarachchi said it is the responsibility of the National Election Commission and the government to conduct elections in a timely manner.

Several political parties have also called for the conduct of the Local Authorities Election promptly.

Meanwhile, Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya Venerable Walahahengunawewa Dhammarathana Thera has said holding the Local Authorities Election at this moment is unnecessary.

Walahahengunawewa Dhammarathana Thera noted that conducting elections and appointing new members to Local Government Bodies will not solve the issues faced by the people at present.

The Thera said Sri Lanka will not receive grants from the International Monetary Fund for conducing elections.

Walahahengunawewa Dhammarathana Thera therefore stressed that conducting elections at this moment will not benefit the people.

Dhammarathana Thera said the general public should be prepared to scribble the ballot papers if elections are held now.

The Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya said the election will only result in empowering a group for five more years.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has already announced that it will gazette the Local Authorities Election nomination dates this week.