By President Wickramasingha, known for his surprises, has had his cabinet approve an amendment to the Constitution that requires a referendum to extend the Presidential and Parliamentary term beyond five years. In addition, a two-thirds majority would also be required to extend the term beyond five years.
There has been speculation that the current government is trying to extend its term, and President Wickramasingha has reportedly said that elections need to be held as scheduled. Now the Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to a proposal to amend Article 83b of the Constitution to substitute “exceeding 5 years” for “exceeding 6 years.”
According to informed sources, the amendment is being presented to dispel any uncertainty about postponing elections and to prevent the opposition from developing an anti-government slogan that the current government is trying to cling to power beyond its term. The adjournment debate will take place in Parliament tomorrow over the timeline for the presidential election. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has decided to consider a fundamental rights petition filed by Attorney Aruna Laksiri regarding the presidential election.
