National Movement for Social Justice Chairman Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera decided to call of the planned Sathyagraha campaign after he was given assurance that the 19th Amendment will be passed.

The decision to launch the Sathyagrahaya was taken on Sunday after a meeting of the NMSJ.

The debate on the 19th Amendment began this morning with President Sirisena opening the debate.

Sobitha Thera was a leading campaigner for the total abolition of executive presidency, especially after the launch of NMSJ. He played a vital part in the election of President Maithripala Sirisena.

He told media recently that he will support the 19th Amendment Bill, despite the fact that it does not completely abolish executive presidency. He stressed that the 19th Amendment was a significant step towards total abolition of executive presidency.

The vote on the 19 th Amendment is expected on Tuesday (28) evening.