"I can extend the term by one year and gazette it. If I gazetted the extension of Pradeshiya Sabhas, what sort of an influence would it have brought upon the people's right to vote to elect their members to a Pradeshiya Sabha after the end of its official term, following a period of four years?" asked President Sirisena.

"The Constitution clearly sets out that the term of office of a Pradeshiya Sabha is four years. Following that, voters can elect a new council. What this means is by extending the term of office of the Pradeshiya Sabha, you also take away the rights of the voters with it," President Sirisena said.

"This is one change. There shall be no misuse of power. If there were instances to that effect in the past, I am going to rectify them," he said."