"Maithri can't carry on for 6 years ... only 5; if it's 6 ... then Presidentship is valid for me" -- Mahinda Rajapaksa

"Maithri can't carry on for 6 years ... only 5;

if it's 6 ... then Presidentship is valid for me" -- Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former President expressed his opinion yesterday over the telephone with the BBC channel regarding the tenure of President Maithri which has been the topic of discussion these days.

In fact what he said was that according to his opinion President Maithripala should comply with the

19th amendment and complete his tenure of office by 5 years. If it does not come into force, if according to what attorney general says, the incumbent President was to remain in power for 6 years and give up his powers in 2021; then old regulations where Madam Chandrika and himself could claim Presidentship for the third time is valid. The announcer then queried whether he is prepared to contest again and the response was "So ... let's see". The said interview, from below