President's Office clarifies
[January 19, 2004 - 9.30 GMT]

The President’s Office on Friday, January 16 issued a press release clarifying the events that lead to the President’s swearing-in ceremony conducted in December 1999.
 

[Full release]

The then Prime Minister Chandrika Kumaratunga was elected Executive President at an election held on 9th November 1994; she was sworn in three days later on 12th November 1994. She was re-elected to the Presidency on 21st December 1999. The second election was held before the completion of her first six year term. In fact President Kumaratunga was elected to serve two six year terms.

Three days before her re-election there was an attempt on her life, where she miraculously escaped death but lost the use of one eye. Immediately after the assassination attempt, malicious politically motivated rumours were spread that she would not be able carry out her duties as President due to the severity of the injuries suffered in the bomb blast on the night of 18th December 1999.

Emotions were running high in the country in the aftermath of the attack on the President. Both anti Tamil and anti UNP riots were imminent. The volatile situation that prevailed needed to be quelled. It was believed then that it was prudent to have a swearing in ceremony promptly after the election result was announced to prevent anarchy and assure the people that all was well and that the President’s injuries were not life threatening.

Respected legal opinions have been expressed supporting the validity of the second swearing-in, in the ground that a swearing-in was legally necessary only after the completion of the first six year term. If the decision is deemed to be unconstitutional the only body with the authority to do so is the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.

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Last Updated Date: January 19, 2004  -9.30 GMT.