Maithripala Sirisena announced that he is the common opposition candidate.

This announcement was made at a press conference that is currently underway.

The Minister said, “I thank all political parties and political groups for selecting me to be the common candidate.”

He added that he will abolish the executive presidency once appointed President within 100 days. He said:

“I will reinstate the 17th Amendment and abolish the 18th Amendment to the constitution.”

Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Arjuna Ranatunge, Wasantha Senanayake, and Prof. Rajiv Wijesinghe are also in attendance at the press conference which is currently underway.