COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 20th amendment to the constitution which is being championed by the JVP is to be presented in Parliament as a private members bill within the month of May. JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a media briefing on Wednesday (April 26th) revealed this to the public.

The 20th amendment aims to abolish the executive presidency which was one of the key promises made by the President Maithripala Sirisena and the government of good governance on the campaign trail.

The JVP leader also addressed allegations that the amendment is aimed at supporting one political group. Anura Kumara noted that this is not an attempt to move powers currently vested in President Maithripala Sirisena into the hands of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressly stated that the 20th amendment will come into force following the tenure of President Sirisena.

He added that the 20th amendment will also shut the door on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa once again assuming the position or becoming the head of state.

However, Anura Kumara did note that he is open to discussions with members of the joint opposition on how to proceed with the bill.

• Xi arrives in Moscow to meet Putin
• SLTB to add routes into geographic information systems to improve public transportation services
• Dimuth ready to step down as Test Captain after Ireland series
• Indian military officers in Sri Lanka on study tour
• Attorney General recommendation on tenure of LG bodies expected on Monday (20)