Discussions between JVP and opposition leader on executive presidency

Colombo (News 1st): The meeting between the leader of the JVP Anura Kumara Dissanayake and opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was held today (March 6) at the Opposition Leader's office. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Vijitha Herath, and Sunil Handunetti attended the meeting representing the JVP. Meanwhile, a group including, Dinesh Gunawardena and Dallas Alahapperuma along with Mahinda Rajapaksa had attended the meeting. JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that after presenting facts, the opposition leader's group said that there is a policy agreement to abolish the executive presidency. The election system and the 13th amendment to the constitution are disputing the executive presidency and that has to be taken into consideration as well. He noted that they are in agreement for a change in the election system. There is suspicion as to whether the election will be held transparently if there is a need to go into a new election system. If delimitation needs to be carried out then that process must be discussed and agreed. He said it was proposed, that steps to be taken should be discussed. As a fundamental step, it was a successful meeting. Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa noted that the discussions were good and both the parties presented facts. When questioned if this will be successful, Rajapaksa noted that they have faith and have commenced the discussions. He noted that they must brief the joint opposition as these are not matters that can be decided by a few. Journalists then questioned his statement saying that he is in agreement with the abolishing of the executive presidency. The opposition leader noted that they have not spoken about the 20th amendment and he had spoken only about the executive presidency. He said it was not he who spoke, but it was the people who made the Mahinda Chinthanaya. He noted that from the Mahinda Chinthanaya, through every election that came after, people have said they will change this system. When questioned if they will join the alliance for their political journey, Rajapaksa noted that nothing of that sort was discussed.