"We have taken an important step forward.  We have come to a common consensus.   The people of Sri Lanka has a broad understanding about the arbitrary powers of the Executive Presidency.  I did everything possible to reduce the arbitrary powers", the President  said beginning  the second reading of the 19th Amendments to the Constitution.

 

 

"I gave my consent to reduce powers of Executive Presidency as with the implementation of this amendment the people of Sri Lanka will experience the true meaning of ‘democracy and peace", President Maithripala Sirisena further said.

 

 

"This is a historic chapter in Sri Lanka's history", said the President and urged all members to unanimously support to pass the 19th Amendment to the Constitution for the sake of the country;s future generation.