Minister Rambukwella said that elections will be held at the beginning of next year. President Rajapaksa's current term ends in November 2016, but according to the Sri Lankan Constitution, he can call for an early election after November 19 this year, the date of the completion of his fourth year in office. Minister Rambukwella said Rajapaska's win would protect the hard-fought peace and development of the country.

After he was elected for his first term in 2005, Rajapaksa’s position was boosted by the government’s victory over the Tamil Tigers in 2009, ending a nearly 3-decade war. (KH)