President Maithripala Sirisena's move to seek clarification from the Supreme Court on the duration of his term is likely to backfire on him with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa claiming that a decision in Sirisena's favour would allow him to contest the Presidential election again. 

"I have no problem with that. If Sirisena can continue for 6 years despite the 19th Amendment, that means I can run for presidency again. Not only me, CBK can contest too," Rajapaksa told BBC Sandeshaya, reminding that he became the President twice before the enactment of the 19th Amendment. 

"The Attorney General's argument is that laws cannot be passed in retrospect. If the Supreme Court accepts the AG's argument, that means I have to become the President twice, under the 19th Amendment, to be ineligible to become a Presidential candidate," Rajapaksa said. 

"However, my personal opinion is that President Sirisena cannot continue till 2021," he added. 

When the BBC asked whether Rajapaksa wanted to run for presidency again, the former President said he would make that decision later.