Bringing Maithripala as PM candidate constitutionally possible: Lakshan Dias
Tuesday, 3 March 2015 01:47
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Legal experts reacting to the statement made by Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne where he claimed that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) should bring President Maithripala Sirisena as the next SLFP prime ministerial candidate if the powers of the executive presidency were abolished said that this move was constitutionally possible.
Explaining SLFP newly-appointed Vice President and Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne’s statement, renowned Lawyer Lakshan Dias told the Daily FT that if incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena withdraws from his position as the President, then he could enter as the PM candidate.
“If President Sirisena vacates from his position as the President, then Parliament will have to appoint a new president to the State. After that Maithripala Sirisena can either contest the general election and come to Parliament or enter Parliament through the National List and come forward as the PM candidate,” he said.
Speaking further, Dias added that however the decision to bring forward President Sirisena as the PM candidate was within the SLFP and if the party wished it could even bring forward previous Presidents of the country such as Mahinda Rajapaksa or Chandrika Kumaratunga as their PM candidate.
