Proposal to hold Presidential elections first

It is more important to hold the Presidential elections first, said Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

He said the National Democratic Alliance led by the UNP is ready to nominate a strong contender for the Presidential election.


The minister made this commend during the opening of the Bulathsinhala daily fair.

He noted that preparations are being made to form a strong government which cannot be destabilised.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and several other MPs attended the event.

''Let’s make use of the opportunity'' - Jayampathy

Meanwhile, expressing his views, UNP-MP President’s Counsel Jayampathy Wickramaratne said at a time when the President, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader are all agreeable for the abolishment of the Executive Presidency, irrespective of part differences, this move should be encouraged.

Wickramaratne noted that as all three main leaders of the country are in favour of abolishing the Executive Presidential system, this opportunity should be grasped wholeheartedly and a Constitutional Amendment should be brought in for this purpose.

He noted that if a 2/3rd parliamentary majority is obtained, this can be done prior to the Presidential election.
The MP made this statement during a media briefing held at the office of the National Movement for a Just Society in Rajagiriya.