Friday, August 26 2005 16:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: In a setback for Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, the Supreme Court today (August 26, 2005) ruled that her final term ends in December, clearing the way for elections to be held this year.

A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sarath Silva ruled that Kumaratunga's second and final term will end on December 22, 2005 upholding a challenge from opposition parties that the next Presidential election should be held this year.

Kumaratunga, first elected in August 1994, called a snap poll a year early in late 1999 and won a second six-year term, which will end this December.

However, she has argued that the leftover year from her first term should mean she could stay in power until late 2006.

In terms of the Presidential Election Act, the Election Chief Dayananda Dissanayake is now required to announce a date for the next Presidential election any time between October 22 and November 22.

Even an hour before the court ruling, Kumaratunga's office issued a statement indicating that she expected to retire in 2006 and not this year.

Her office said in a statement that she turned down a pension, but accepted the gift of a large piece of state land to build her retirement home.

"She will construct her private residence after retirement from the Presidency in 2006," the statement said.

Kumaratunga will not be able to stand as the constitution limits Presidents to two terms.