The Attorney General of Sri Lanka has informed the future necessary action that should be taken in the event of the Presidency becomes vacant prior to the expiration of his term of office replying to query made by the secretary to the Prime Minister relating to this matter, PMs office announced.
In his reply he stated that according to section 40 of the Sri Lanka constitution ,if the office of President becomes vacant prior to the expiration of his term of office, Parliament shall elect the President from one of its members.
The successor will hold office for the rest of the period of the term of the office of the resigning President.
The process electing a new president must be initiated within a month of the President’s resignation.
Parliament should meet within three days of the President’s resignation. At such a meeting, the Secretary-General of Parliament is required to inform the Parliament about the President’s resignation.
If more than one person is nominated for the post, a secret ballot should be taken, and the new president should be elected by an absolute majority of votes cast.
According to the constitution , the Prime Minister should be the Acting President as the next in line to be President for less than a month until the Parliament elects a new President.
According to AGs reply to PMs secretary’s query , the Prime Minister shall appoint one of the other ministers of the Cabinet to act in the office of Prime Minister, if needed.
