SC to rule on Sirisena’s term today

By S.S. Selvanayagam

A panel of five judges of the Supreme Court will make a decision on the ambiguity over the tenure of the office of incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena today.

A bench of Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, justices Eva Wanasundera, B.P. Aluvihara, Sisira J. De Abrew and K.T. Chitrasiri has been nominated for the opinion of the Supreme Court in this matter in respect of the ambiguity arising after the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

President Maithripala Sirisena has referred the matter to the Supreme Court for its consideration in terms of Article 129(1) of the Constitution.

He has sought the opinion of the Supreme Court over whether, in terms of the Provisions of the Constitution, he faces any impediments in continuing in the office of President for a period of six years from 9 January 2015, the date on which the results of his election to the office of President was declared.

He has sought the opinion of the Supreme Court on or before 14 January 2018.