Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa has called early elections, seeking a third term in office two years before his current term expires.
Presidential spokesman Mohan Samaranayake says the president signed a proclamation today declaring "his intention to be elected for another term."
The proclamation was sent to the Election Commission, which is to decide on a date.
Mr Rajapaksa had earlier promised to abolish the presidency amid widespread criticism that the office has too much power and lacks accountability.
He was first elected in 2005 and overwhelmingly won another six-year term in 2010, riding on his popularity for defeating Tamil Tiger rebels in a civil war that ended in 2009.
He used his party's parliamentary victory in 2010 to scrap a two-term limit in office.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here