• Says none of the candidates aspiring to run in presidential election have announced their intention to abolish executive powers

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the presidential election will definitely be held in the future and financial allocations have already been allocated for it. While joining the “What’s New” workshop held at the President’s office on legal reform with young legal professionals, the President said that none of the candidates aspiring to run in the presidential election have announced their intention to abolish the executive powers associated with the position. 

The President highlighted the dual nature of the executive presidential system, noting its advantages and disadvantages. He emphasized that the executive power vested in the presidency played a pivotal role in the economic development of Sri Lanka and the resolution of the 30-year war.   

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that none of the candidates aspiring to run in the presidential election have announced their intention to abolish the executive powers associated with the position.   

President Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of enacting laws that render the President accountable to Parliament. He noted the decentralization of certain executive powers to Provincial Councils and Parliamentary Oversight Committees, highlighting forthcoming divisions in this regard.   Moreover, President Wickremesinghe affirmed the inevitability of future Presidential elections, stating that financial provisions for this purpose have already been allocated.     

With regards to his controversial statement over holding a referendum to extend the term of the President and Parliament for two more years, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said he would make a statement today (30).

He confirmed this to Daily Mirror saying that he would shed light on his statement.