President Maithripala Sirisena's move to seek the possibility of extending his term by one year shows his fear of a Rajapaksa resurgence, political observers say. 

The President's letter to the Supreme Court asking if it was possible to continue in office until 2021 means that Sirisena wants to hold the next Parliamentary election under his presidency. 

That will ensure that President Sirisena's group contests the next Parliamentary election under favourable conditions. 

"This shows that he is operating from a weak position. It is also clear that he is losing his sleep over a possible Rajapaksa comeback. He is trapped between Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe," a member of Sirisena's cabinet told Asian Mirror on conditions of anonymity.

However, the 19th Amendment to the constitution clearly states that its provisions apply to President Sirisena as well. Therefore many legal experts believe that the President's request has no legal basis. 

Be that as it may, the matter is to be debated in open court on Thursday.