Nov 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka government today said that it is ready to hold the provincial council elections after the third reading of the budget for 2009.

Speaking at a special press conference held in Colombo this afternoon Minister of Media, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the government will win any kind of election at the moment.

According to the Minister some leaders of the political parties supporting the government have asked the President to hold a general election immediately. But the government had decided to hold the general election on its normal schedule, the Minister pointed out.

He noted that the general public has ample reasons to be satisfied with the achievements of the government as concrete measures have been taken to solve several issues during its three years of rule.

"At the moment we have a clear majority of 42 seats in parliament," Minister Abeywardena added.

Meanwhile the main opposition of Sri Lanka United National Party said that they are also ready to face any election at the moment. Responding to the Minister's speech Deputy Secretary of UNP MP Laxman Kiriella pointed out since their MP's crossed over to the government side the people's opinion are not what appears in the parliament.