Fresh elections in Lanka?

The government says that the amendment is crucial for stability to back a negotiated end to nineteen years of conflict with Tamil Tiger rebels, but it has been challenged in court by various parties and groups.

‘‘The government does not intend to have a referendum. We don’t think it is appropriate,’’ Peiris said.

‘‘Because we are dealing with a whole range of issues, it might therefore be important to make an appeal to the people of Sri Lanka,’’ he said.

‘‘If you want to appeal to the people on a gamut of issues, then an election is a more satisfactory option than a referendum.’’

Asked if he was referring to an election, Peiris replied: ‘‘That is one way of doing it.’’

The court’s decision on whether the change must be approved by a referendum or just by parliamentary vote is likely to be released through the Assembly Speaker next week.

The state-run Daily News had quoted a source as saying that the Cabinet had ‘‘agreed to go for a general election if the Supreme Court recommends a referendum to implement the 19th amendment to the Constitution’’.

President Chandrika Kumaratinga had said there was no need for an amendment and sent a letter to the Speaker in August saying that she would not dissolve Parliament unless the ruling party loses its majority.

With the second round of peace talks expected to resume in Thailand at the end of the month, the Tigers have expressed concern that Kumaratunga could derail the process by sacking the government if she were unhappy with the outcome. (Reuters)