The Party Leaders’ meeting to discuss the draft 21st Amendment to the Constitution was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday (27).
The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Party Leaders present their observations regarding the draft Amendment, which had been distributed amongst them earlier this week. Prime Minister’s Media Division said.
At the meeting a general consensus was reached that a 21st Amendment to the Constitution had to be passed as soon as possible.
Party Leaders agreed that re-enactment of 19A in the form of 21A would be the first step, abolishment of Executive Presidency would be the second step.
They will also further discuss whether or not the President can retain the Defense portfolio. Following the discussions, the Party Leaders decided that due to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) being unable to attend today’s meeting, they would hold a final meeting next Friday (03), with the TNA’s attendance, so as to finalise the draft.
The Prime Minister also announced that during the week if any parties wished to seek further clarification they could do so from the Minister of Justice.
