COLOMBO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka Friday rejected petitions filed by opposition parties against the government's move to hold elections for two provinces.

    The main opposition United National Party and the main left party JVP or the People's Liberation Front last week filed the petitions against the move to hold elections for the North Central Provincial Council and the southeastern Sabaragamuva Provincial Council.

    However, a three-member Supreme Court bench refused petitions claiming that the respective chief ministers had the power to dissolve the council when they find that the smooth functioning of the councils are impeded.

    The government dissolved the two councils early this month to hold fresh elections ahead of the expiry of their terms in 2009.

    The opposition said the decision to hold elections is invalid as both chief ministers had lost their working majorities in the councils.

    The election date is yet to be fixed.