That is after its political party and civil society organization allies having told the government that it would be more appropriate if a referendum was held first.

They have proposed that the formulation of a new constitution be completed within the next two months, and a referendum announced before the budget.

It would be more productive to rally the ‘January 08’ forces together through a referendum, since they would contest any other election on their own, as the UNP, SLFP, TNA, JVP etc., they have noted.

However, the government has said the LG polls would be held before 20 January next year.