From correspondents in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 04:04 PM IST

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has decided to opt for a presidential election two years ahead of schedule, government sources said Monday.

Officials said the president had signed the proclamation calling for early presidential election, Xinhua reported.

Rajapakse conveyed his decision to leaders of his ruling coalition, ending months of speculation whether he would opt for the parliamentary or presidential elections.

The election date, likely to be in January 2010, is to be announced later.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)