Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has informed the parliament that the Supreme Court has given its opinion stating that there was no barrier for President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest for a third term as President.

The Supreme Court had informed the president of its opinion yesterday afternoon. The president had asked for the opinion of the Supreme Court on November 5.

The Supreme Court has also informed that there is no legal barrier for the president to call for an election upon the completion of four years of his second term in office.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Bar Association (BASL) yesterday expressed its regret regarding the Supreme Court’s process to determine President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s eligibility to contest for a third term.

BASL Secretary Ajith Pathirana told media that it has not received any response from the Supreme Court regarding the two letters sent by the BASL urging the matter be taken up before open court and sufficient time be allocated to present oral presentation.

Thirty eight parties had forwarded written submissions to the Supreme Court pertaining to the matter of the legality of the third term. However, no oral presentations were called for by the Supreme Court.