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Leading News from Sri Lanka ::
Oct 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka will hold presidential and general elections before April of next year, the government said today adding that a declaration in this regard will be made at the session of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party on November 15th.
Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena made the announcement at a media briefing in Colombo today confirming the speculations that the President would seek reelection before his term expires in 2011 to capitalize on the immense popularity he is experiencing now.
While offering government's gratitude to the voters of the Southern Province for giving two-third majority to the ruling party at Saturday's provincial council polls, the Minister said the government is confident of a victory at national elections.
The Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna suffered a severe defeat at the Southern PC polls, even losing the control of its base in Tissamaharama, the Minister pointed out.
The ruling party claimed victory in all provincial council elections and secured control of the PCs except in the Northern Province which is yet to be contested.
President Rajapaksa met with the district organizers of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party at an emergency meeting held at the Temple Trees on Sunday night and advised them to immediately prepare for the elections.
A re-election bid after completing 4 years of his term is in line with Sri Lanka's Constitution. According to the Constitution the President, at any time after the expiration of four years from the commencement of his first term of office, can declare his intention of a reelection, for another term.
President Rajapaksa will be completing 4 years of his presidency on November 19. He was elected as the fifth executive President of the country in 2005 for a six-year term that is to end in 2011.
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