Cabinet convened at the Presidential Secretariat. The meeting was presided over by President Maithripala Sirisena.

The President presented the special cabinet papers aimed at fulfilling the pledge made during the presidential election to abolish the executive presidency and vest the powers with the parliament, and amend the proportional electoral system; to introduce a more democratic electoral system. A subcommittee headed by the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to be appointed to finalise the process and a report by the cabinet sub committee will be presented within the next two weeks to the cabinet.

The President’s Media Division stated that subsequent to this move, legislative draftsmen will draft the required amendments to the Constitution.

• 10 people arrested on illegal migration attempt
• 161 COVID cases reported on Wednesday (17)
• Heavy showers expected tonight (18)
• NO change to CBSL policy rates
• Laugfs Gas drops price of domestic gas cylinder