The UNP is not against the President’s decision to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court as to when his first term in office expires but he should do so without delay, Digital Infrastructure Development Minister Ajith P Perera said yesterday.

Minister Perera told a media conference that the President has every right to seek Supreme Court opinion on important matters.

“The UNP is not against the President’s decision to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on the date his term ends but we are not in favour of him waiting till the new chief justice is appointed to do so,” Mr. Perera said in response to a statement that have been made by SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera to this effect.

“Mr. Jayasekera’s statement that the President will seek the opinion of Supreme Court once the new chief justice is appointed could be an influence on the person who will get the post,” he said.

Asked whether they believed the chief justice would not be independent as he would if he had been appointed by the Constitutional Council, Mr. Perera said the President still has the power to refrain from appointing a person recommended by the Constitutional Council while he also can nominate someone for the post.

Therefore, he said the President still has an opportunity to influence on the matter. The Minister said it is obvious that the President’s term ends on January 8, 2019 and the presidential election should be held this year.

“A presidential election is to be held soon and the UNP is getting ready for it,” he said. Asked as to who would be the party’s candidate, he said it will be announced once the election is declared.

Responding to a question raised by journalists as to whether there would be any reconciliation between the President and the UNP, he said UNP will accept his support. However, he ruled out supporting President at the next presidential election. (Yohan Perera)