Colombo: The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has signed a proclamation declaring his intention to hold a fresh Presidential Election seeking another term on Thursday.
He had received the unanimous approval of his party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to declare a snap presidential election in early January, two years ahead of schedule, party officials said on Wednesday.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa told a leading Sri Lankan newspaper Daily Mirror that the gazette notification, announcing the proclamation has already been released.
The President called for a meeting of the SLFP Central Committee (CC) on Wednesday evening, and sought the opinion of members on his decision to declare an election at this juncture. The SLFP unanimously approved the move. The party also endorsed the candidature of the President during the meeting.
According to 'Daily Mirror' Constitutionally, the President can call for a snap presidential election after the completion of four years. President Rajapaksa completed the fourth year of his second term on Wednesday (19). It is learnt that the election will be conducted in early January, two years ahead of schedule. The President, who has already served two terms, was allowed to ask for re-election for a third term after the two term limit on the presidency was removed after the incorporation of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the Central Committee had also discussed the appointment of electoral organisers. It is learnt that MP Wasantha Senanayake, who was speculated to be planning to cross over, is now tipped to be appointed as the party's organiser of the Dedigama electorate.
A separate committee headed by SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena was appointed to coordinate the election campaign.
Meanwhile, prior to the holding of the Central Committee meeting, the President had called a special Cabinet meeting. However, it was revealed that the upcoming presidential election was not discussed during this meeting. Posters which read 'Jaya Sri' were to be put up all over the country wishing the President luck for the upcoming poll.
The main opposition UNP is planning to field a common candidate against Rajapaksa. Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremasinghe is the front runner for the candidature.
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