President Mahinda Rajapakse seeks SC opinion on third term

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has requested the Supreme Court to give its opinion whether he could or not come forward for a third term of the presidency and whether a presidential election could be held or not before his second term ends.

The request has been made to the Supreme Court in writing today (5th) and it has been revealed that the request for the opinion of the Supreme Court had been carried out secretly. This was revealed in a letter sent by the Registrar of the Supreme Court to the President of Sri Lanka Bar Association (BASL) asking him to submit written submissions and denying an opportunity for oral submissions.

The letter states the written submission by the Bar Association relevant to the matter referred from the Supreme Court by the President should be submitted before 3.00 p.m. on the 7th.

According to reports measures have been taken to inquire into the matter on Friday (7th) and the President to be informed regarding the opinion of the SC on Monday (10th).

It is stated that the letter to the BASL has been directed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court on instructions from the Chief Justice.