CPC seeks extension of Rajapakse’s presidency without election

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 July 2009, 05:32 GMT]
The ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Tuesday tabled a motion in the monthly meeting of the Central Provincial Council (CPC), to extend the current term of President Mahinda Rajapakse for another five years without holding fresh presidential election. Councillors of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) walked out of the meeting stating that the council should not take this motion for debate. The debate on the motion has been put off for another date, media sources said.

UNP leader of the CPC Mr. S. B. Dissanayake said that the council should be allowed to criticize the negative side of President Mahinda Rajapakse including the good side of him. However the council has no power to debate on the conduct of the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and judges of the Supreme Council.

Hence the council should disregard the motion seeking an extension of the Presidency for another term without holding fresh presidential election, Mr.Dissanayake said.

Thereafter all members of the UNP staged a walked out.

The motion states that the incumbent President should be honored for his firm and dedicated service to the nation by defeating anti-national and traitorous elements, by extending his presidency for another term without election.