Lanka denies moves to extend president’s term

The Sri Lankan government has denied that there was a move to extend President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term for another period of six years without holding an election, reports Sutirtho Patranobis.

The Sri Lankan government has denied that there was a move to extend President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s term for another period of six years without holding an election.

HT Image

“The United Peoples Freedom Alliance led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa firmly believes in the peoples’ mandate and the freedom of the voters’ franchise rights, and has no intention to be in power beyond the period mandated by the ballot,’’ minister of mass media, information and enterprise development, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said.

He said the Rajapaksa could call a election after November 19, 2009 or after he completes his first term in office in 2011.