Sunday Lakbima, pg 3. Interview with the Elections Commissioner.
The President is trying to extend her term by one year by pretending she swore a ‘secret’ oath. I think it’s silly to assume that the electorate can’t count to six, but calling an election is still an official ‘decision’. Normally this would be a formality, but the Madness of Queen Bandaranaike is beginning to warp space and time. The Elections Commisioner’s name is Dayananda Dissanayake and he gave a telling interview in Lakbima. He’s had heart surgery 3 times, so one can only hope that he makes it to election time, but he seems to live in this universe and not the alternate one of inbred power. The money quote is: ‘Think of it this way, you buy an item of new clothing and you wear it. After that, you put it back into the almyrah. One month later can you take it out and say you’re wearing new clothes?’
On the Third Amendment and the Date
The constitution clearly states that the person taking the office of the President must give an oath. This is very clearly stated in 32:1. You cannot assume the office without giving an oath, contrary to those that say the oath is irrelevant, the constitution clearly requires the oath. If you have taken the oath once it is meaningless to take the oath several times after that.
Whatever anyone says, I am the one who will take this decision. This decision is not one for the courts. It is a decision to be taken by an official. Anyone can appeal my decision, they can go to court. It may be that the courts may find that my decision is wrong. But after I issue my decision I will not have to go to jail.
On Role of The Supreme Court
Anyone has the right to go to the Supreme Court. If they do go to the Supreme Court i would be made a party. As a party i will express my views to the court. Those who are in a hurry can go to the supreme court, i have no problem with that. I am now like the kammalle inna bala (dog living in the metal foundry) I ignore everything.
Getting Advice From the Attorney General
Whatever anyone says, if I face any ambiguities I will seek advice from the Attorney General, but I have no need to seek advice from the Attorney General regarding this Presidential Election. I have no reason to seek advice when it is very clear to me when the presidential election should be held.
Will the Second Oath Affect the Date?
Think of it this way, you buy an item of new clothing and you wear it. After that, you put it back into the almyrah and one month later. Can you take it out and say you’re wearing new clothes?
I will issue my decision according to the constitution. From what I say anyone should be able to tell the date.
Perhaps the question needs to be posed, does the president’s term of office CEASE when an early election is called?
If it does not cease, what happens when another candidate wins? Does the president stay on for the rest of the (earlier) term, handing over power only at the end of it?
If the term does cease, then should’nt the new term be reckoned from the date on which the President takes office, after being elected?