Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva stated that Sri Lanka Freedom Party is puzzled at the indifference of the United National Party towards implementing electoral reforms.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, de Silva said that President Maithripala Sirisena made a name as the president who reduced powers of executive presidency. While other presidents wanted to increase the powers of executive presidency, Sirisena wanted to reduce the powers, he added.

De Silva reiterated the position of SLFP that electoral reforms should also take place as soon as possible. SLFP had earlier opposed the 19th Amendment on the grounds that electoral reforms should also take place simultaneously.

However, SLFP later decided to support the 19th Amendment on the President’s assurance that a 20th amendment to change the electoral system will be introduced following the approval of the 19th Amendment.