President speaks of 'significant change' at meeting with SLFPers

President Maithripala Sirisena has informed the Sri Lanka Freedom Party that a significant change will take place within the coming days. Following the release of results of the Local Government Elections, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentary Group including SLFP seniors, called on President Sirisena at his official residence in Colombo. According to Minister S.B. Dissanayake, Treasurer of SLFP they have had a lengthy discussion with the President and the President had wanted convey a message to the effect that a change will take place. Correspondents in the meeting has questioned the minister as to what kind of change it would be, where he replied stating that the question can only be answered by the President himself. Furthermore he was questioned on when the change will take place and the response was "very soon". Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Science, Technology and Research made the following statement: "Constitutionally, we cannot take decisions on the powers vested with the President of the Republic. However, there are certain powers in the constitution. We need to have a dialogue with all the party and all factions. He wanted to do that and bring about a change that will be felt by the nation. He said this during the election as well. I cannot explain it beyond that. In the coming days you will get to know what that change is." Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Special Assignment also expressed his views stating that everyone was given an opportunity to speak. Thereafter the President will hold talks with others and take a decision. According to W.D.J. Seneviratne Minister of Labour, Trade Union Relations and Sabaragamu Development, there were no final decisions made. Therefore they will be meeting again in the coming weeks. Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena,State Minister of Public Enterprise Development stated that it was clear that people cast their vote against the UNP and their agenda and that the President will bring a change in the country. He was also questioned on what kind of change will be brought about. Responding to the query he stated that it might be a change in the governance but that he cannot be certain about it. Furthermore, he stated that the decision is up to the president. Another question was raised whether there was a request for the Prime Minister to be removed and whether the PM should be removed. He agreed with both the questions raised.