COLOMBO, July 9: Sri Lanka’s minority government on Friday ruled out holding elections this year. Talking to reporters, Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the government was stable and there was no need for an early election this year.

The ruling coalition was reduced to a minority in the 225-member parliament last month when the JVP, its main coalition partner, left the government after differences over an agreement entrusting the Tamil Tigers with aid distribution in tsunami-hit Tamil areas.

De Silva said despite losing its parliamentary majority, the government remained sound and was confident of completing its term.

Referring to the ongoing agitation by the main opposition United National Party to force an early presidential election, Constitutional Affairs Minister Dew Gunasekera said the election was not due until November next year.

De Silva said the election commissioner cannot take an arbitrary decision to hold presidential election in violation of the constitution.