Sri Lanka, Dec. 23 -- The Election Commission hopes to publish the Gazette calling for nominations for the Local Government Elections before January 5, Election Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa said.

Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, he said the relevant Gazette is due by January 5 as per the law, and that his Commission is duty bound to follow this deadline.

Asked whether the Commission has faced any obstacle in issuing the relevant Gazette, the Chairman replied, "Let's wait and see. Holding elections is our responsibility.What is the purpose of having the Commission, if it cannot execute its responsibilities?"

The Election Commission on Wednesday night issued an Extraordinary Gazette appointing District Returning Officers and...