SLFP considering if to seek SC's advice on exact dates of President's term of office : Dayasiri

Discussions are underway amongst  Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) party members on whether to seek the Supreme Court's advice on the dates of the term of office of President Maithripala Sirisena, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said.

Mr. Jayasekara pointed out that the President could dissolve the government and call for a general election prior to the presidential polls if the Supreme Court declares that the president’s term ends on March 16, 2020.

Addressing a news conference yesterday (Apr 09), at the SLFP headquarters, he said that the Supreme Court had previously held that the President’s term would be for five years. “However, there is an issue over determining when the President's term begins and ends during these five years,” the SLFP General Secretary observed.

Mr Jayasekara said that according to the constitution once the Speaker has granted approval only then does a bill come into effect. Accordingly, the Speaker had signed the 19th amendment to the Constitution on the June 22, 2015.  "Therefore, since a bill has been adopted, it is effective from that day onwards.According to this understanding that the next five years from July 21, 2015, a presidential election could be held in June, " Mr Jayasekera said.

Therefore, he said that discussions are underway as to whether to obtain a ruling from the Supreme Court since it is the only apex body which can interpret the constitution in these instances.

“If the Supreme Court decides that the President’s term would end on March 16, 2020 then there will be no presidential elections until that date. This is because the President can dissolve Parliament and call for a general election,” Mr. Jayasekara noted.

He added that the President was yet to express his views on a presidential candidate.