The Mahinda Rajapaksa government is once again contemplating plans to remove the constitutional barrier which prevents a person from being elected President for more than two terms. In a meeting with major opposition parties to discuss proposed constitutional reforms, the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared his intention to seek a third term as well . Local media reports suggest that references were also made to bring about certain changes in the 17th amendment as well. Mahinda Rajapaksa reportedly informed the group of opposition MPs that the composition of the proposed Constitutional Council would be changed where there would be one member nominated by President, one member nominated each by the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader. Earlier the ruling party had been in discussion with the main opposition party on the possibility of replacing the executive presidential system with executive premiership. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has requested the Sri Lankan President and the government to hand over its proposed constitutional amendments in writing, so that they can discuss the proposal in its working committee. With the ruling combine having a near two third majority in the Parliament, the much debated constitutional amendments may become a reality. According to the present Constitution a person can become President of the country only two times. The next Presidential election in the island nation is due in 2016.