Newly appointed State Minister of Labour Jeewan Kumaranatunga stated that the parliament may not be dissolved in April, since time was needed to carry out the necessary constitutional amendments.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya after taking oaths on Sunday (22), Kumaranatunga said that there was still a lot to be done before the election. “Therefore, parliament may not be dissolved in April” he said.

He pointed out that both the limiting of executive presidential powers and changing the electoral system have to be done before an election could be held.

In the meantime, Nimal Siripala de Silva will continue as opposition leader, he said. However, he added that it does not signify any division of the party.

When asked if it was ethical to continue to hold to the opposition leader position, Kumaranatunga said that he cannot see anything wrong in it. SLFP actually has a majority in parliament, he pointed out, adding that the party has made a huge sacrifice to support a minority government.