Sri Lanka : President must contest next presidential election in 2020

Jan 08, Colombo: The Central Committee of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) at a meeting held recently has decided that the party leader, President Maithripala Sirisena should contest the next presidential election in 2020, Minister of Special Assignments Dr. Sarath Amunugama said.

The Minister in response to a media inquiry by BBC Sandeshaya said there is 27 percent minority votes in Sri Lanka and the his as well as the party's belief is that President Sirisena is the only candidate who can win a majority of those votes.

However, the President who chaired the SLFP Central Committee meeting has not expressed any views on the party's decision, the Minister said.

President Sirisena, when he was sworn in as President on 9 January 2015, pledged that he would not run for office for a second term.

However, the political environment now has changed, Minister Amunugama says.

The SLFP Central Committee has also decided to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution transferring land and police powers to provincial councils.

According to Minister Amunugama, party's stance is that instead of drafting a new constitution, the government should revise the current constitution and there is no need to call for a referendum.