Rajapaksa government in a dilemma
The decision to announce a sudden presidential election on the 17th of this month or thereabout has been suddenly changed reveals a reliable source. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has two more years to complete his second term in office but there was speculation that an illegal presidential election would be held suddenly.
The JVP with the former Chief Justice and other people’s forces had commenced a massive protest campaign against the illegal and unethical presidential election to be held prematurely. The government has been concerned as several political parties and groups were supporting the move to oppose the illegal presidential election.
Also, legal experts including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have pointed out that President Mahinda Rajapaska has no legal right to contest for a third term.
The Parliamentarian of the JHU Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero too had said every possible step would be taken to defeat Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa if he calls a presidential election without amending the Constitution.
As such, an environment has developed in the country against a sudden presidential election, the government carried out a secret survey which has confirmed that the popularity of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decreased considerably and an opposition to him is developing rapidly.
The government that has been concerned regarding the situation suddenly decided to put off the move to call a sudden presidential election says the source.