Sri Lanka considers constitutional reform

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Tuesday began assessing a draft bill that would amend the country's constitution. If approved, the amendments would lead to a vote in parliament as soon as next week. Most importantly, the changes would enable President Mahinda Rajapakse to run for office for a third term.

Reuters

The Registrar of the Supreme Court said the five-judge bench would give their decision to the president and speaker of parliament within 24 hours.

The vote in parliament could then come as early as next week.

Sri Lanka's cabinet this week approved a proposal to scrap the two-term limit for presidents.

President Mahinda Rajapakse could then stand for election again in November 2016.

In response to these latest moves, the main opposition United National Party, has called for a referendum.

And six lawyers acting for opposition political parties and civic rights groups filed objections during the proceedings at the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

If the Supreme Court gives the bill the go-ahead, Rajapakse has enough support in parliament to pass constitutional changes.

Rajapakse came to power in 2005 and won a second presidential term in January this year.

His popularity rating was high at that time because eight months earlier Sri Lanka's government forces had defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels, and put an end to a 37-year civil war.

Critics and human rights groups accuse him and his family members, who hold key positions in government, of ruling Sri Lanka with an iron fist, crushing dissent and the opposition media.