• All that could be done is for the Parliament to appoint a President
• Even under the powers vested with the President, the government could not be dissolved at any time

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera ruled out the possibility to call for a presidential election in terms of the Constitution, in the event of the current President stepping down .   

He was apparently responding to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa asking for the declaration of a presidential election .  

“Even if the President leaves tomorrow, we cannot go for a presidential election. All that could be done is for the Parliament to appoint a President, Mr.Amaraweera said.  

He said even under the powers vested with the President, the government could not be dissolved at any time.   
“Therefore, it is not an easy task to shout for a change of power,” he said.  

After the death of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, no election was held and no President was appointed. Instead, Parliament voted in favour of D. B. Wijetunga who was subsequently appointed as President. According to the constitution, there is a time to take power. It is not practical that a government that does not exist, could be replaced and a new regime could take over, he said. 

• It is not practical that a government that does not exist, could be replaced and a new regime could take over