"Presidential term will continue till December 2006"- Samaraweera

[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 October 2004, 15:27 GMT]
The United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government Thursday announced that the incumbent Presidency will expire only in December 2006. ''The UPFA government is not keen in holding Sri Lanka's Presidential election in December 2005 or a referendum to extend the current term,'' said Mr.Mangala Samaraweera, Information Minister and Media Spokesman addressing a press briefing Thursday.

Sri Lanka's President Ms Chandrika Kumaratunge has no intention of contesting the Presidential election for the third term by amending the constitution, Minister Mr.Mangala Samaraweera said.

Mr.Mangala Samaraweera further said Mr.W.M.J.Lokkubandara would be removed from the post of Speaker once the UPFA government obtained majority in the parliament.

Mr.Mangala Samaraweera added that Trincomalee town would be developed as tourist spot and Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted in this regard by the Tourist Development Minister Mr.Anura Bandaranaike. A committee comprising ministers Mr.Anura Bandaranaike, Ms Ferial Ashraff, Mr.Dinesh Gunawardene and Mr.Mangala Samaraweera has been appointed to look into this matter, sources said.