MR says only general election will restore country's stability

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa once again in a lengthy statement today (Dec 02) has urged for general elections as a means to restore stability in the country.

The statement issued by the Prime Minister´s office detailing a text of a speech by Mr. Rajapaksa, highlighted instances in history during which general elections had been called in the instance of a political deadlock.

The former President explained that if things had gone as planned according to the President’s gazette, a general election would have taken place on January 5 with all parties forwarding their nominations from November 19 to 26. This, he said would have led to the restoration of stability in the country.

He further said that if the UNP argued that the President did not have the power to dissolve Parliament before completing four and a half years, after the 19th amendment came into effect, then that would also mean that the provision of removing a government by passing a no-confidence vote was also invalid.