President sought Supreme Court opinion to clear confusion; PMD

President Maithripala Sirisena sought the opinion of the Supreme Court in order to dispel this confusion over the term of his presidency as two different views have been expressed in legal, civil and political circles about the duration of the term of Presidency after the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, Presidential Secretariat said in a statement. Therefore, the President has sought the opinion of the Supreme Court regarding the actual term of office.

According to the powers vested on the President under the Constitution, the President has the right to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court." The former Presidents who held office had also sought the opinion of the Supreme Court during their tenures. It is a significant feature in the constitutions of democratic governance,"the statement said.

Meanwhile the Supreme Court has stated that it would convey its decision on President Maithripala Sirisenas' term of office to the President. The Court held an open hearing today where arguments were presented by various sides on the matter.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court heard arguments over a request made by President Sirisena from the Supreme Court for an opinion on whether he can stay in office as President for six years – till 2021.

The matter was taken up before a Supreme Court five-judge-bench comprising Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, Justice Eva Wanasundara, Justice Buwaneka Aluvihare, Justice Sisira de Abrew and Justice K.T. Chitrasiri.