<p>But Rajapaksa, who is in for a tough contest to retain power, conceded that some changes could be made.<br /><br />"I believe the current executive presidency needs changes, but its total abolition could lead to political instability in the country," Rajapaksa was quoted as saying by the Bottom Line Newspaper.<br /><br />On opting for a Westminster model, Rajapaksa said in a lighter vein that if anyone is serious about such a constitutional change, it should be he himself because he is now seeking the second and final term.<br /><br />When asked whether he would do away with executive presidency if elected for the second term, he said no one would be more interested than him in abolishing it.<br /><br />His remarks come as the country's Election Commission is in the process of notifying the dates for the Presidential polls expected to be held early next year.<br /><br />Media reports indicate that the elections could be held after the second week of January.<br />The President said that post-independent Sri Lanka in its early period witnessed frequent collapse of governments and the executive Presidency has corrected that situation and given the country some degree of political stability.<br /><br />Rajapaska made these comments in his first interaction with the media after declaring snap polls.</p>
<p>But Rajapaksa, who is in for a tough contest to retain power, conceded that some changes could be made.<br /><br />"I believe the current executive presidency needs changes, but its total abolition could lead to political instability in the country," Rajapaksa was quoted as saying by the Bottom Line Newspaper.<br /><br />On opting for a Westminster model, Rajapaksa said in a lighter vein that if anyone is serious about such a constitutional change, it should be he himself because he is now seeking the second and final term.<br /><br />When asked whether he would do away with executive presidency if elected for the second term, he said no one would be more interested than him in abolishing it.<br /><br />His remarks come as the country's Election Commission is in the process of notifying the dates for the Presidential polls expected to be held early next year.<br /><br />Media reports indicate that the elections could be held after the second week of January.<br />The President said that post-independent Sri Lanka in its early period witnessed frequent collapse of governments and the executive Presidency has corrected that situation and given the country some degree of political stability.<br /><br />Rajapaska made these comments in his first interaction with the media after declaring snap polls.</p>
