President’s term: Differences of opinion within the SLFP

MP Thilanga Sumathipala said that neither President Maithripala Sirisena nor the SLFP have taken a decision to seek Supreme Court clarification regarding the term of the President.

He said although several persons within the party are  keen to seek clarification regarding the President’s term, the President has so far not made any statement regarding it.

Sumathipala said that certain parties are wanting to seek this clarification as they are keen to go for a General election by postponing the Presidential election, adding that only the Supreme Court can determine if the President’s term ends on January 08 or May 15th.  

Talks have been held within the SLFP with regard to obtaining Supreme Court clarification once again about the president’s term in office, according to the SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara. 

He made this statement at a media briefing held at the SLFP Headquarters on April 09th. 

The General Secretary said that if the President’s term is valid until March 16, 2020, then he has the power to dissolve the current government and a General election would be possible prior to a Presidential election. 

Sri Lanka Mirror had previously reported on May 18, 2018 that the President’s advisors had focussed their attention regarding a General election prior to a Presidential election based on an FB post by Presidential Advisor Shiral Laktillake. 

He had stated that according to the 19th Amendment clause 1(3), the next Presidential election should be held in August 2020 and not in November 2019.

However, SLFP National Organiser Duminda Dissanayake said that no matter what, the Presidential election would be held first. 

He said this in response to media questions posed during an event in Anuradhapura.