PM comments on the proposal to abolish executive presidency

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe commented on the number of working hours a day at a recent event. Praising the hard efforts put in by Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the Prime Minister said that out of the 24 hours he has per day that 25 of it he (Akila Viraj) spends on educational matters while another six is allocated for the matters of the party. The Prime Minister went onto say that he appreciates his (Akila Viraj K.) ministry since he has paid much attention and spearheaded projects for nearly five years now. The Prime Minister also commented on the proposal brought before the cabinet to abolish the executive presidency. He said that it is not a matter of surprise that many organizations oppose the matter during the first half of the week. He also said that certain civil societies, religious associations had requested for the 20th amendment by the JVP to be passed in parliament and that he had not participated in any of these meetings. Wickremesinghe further said that the President had then called him and asked if they could discuss the matter before the cabinet convenes, to which the Prime Minister had responded saying that since it had not been discussed between their parties that they should discuss it. He claimed that it is after that the President had convened a cabinet meeting that afternoon. The Prime Minister adds that this is a matter that should openly be discussed and that it is more of a duty because of the upcoming elections.