The Bar Association of Sri Lanka today invited both presidential candidates Mahinda Rajapaka  and Maithripala Sirisena to participate in a debate under five themes which is to be moderated by an independent panel.

The themes of the debate are mainly focused on independence of the judiciary, law and order, good governance and eradication of bribery and corruption.

The debate is to be held on a day that is convenient to both candidates - which is between January 02 and January 05 at Sri Lanka Bar Association premises.

BASL President Upul Jayasuriya told that candidates could send their responses to the BASL within one week.

Meanwhile, addressing a business forum in Colombo, Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena too renewed his challenge to President Rajapaksa for an open debate.