Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Tilvin Silva stated that those who meekly raised their hands to strengthen executive presidency through the 18th Amendment are now claiming that they will not let the 19th Amendment passed.

Referring to a comment made by Jathika Hela Urumaya General Secretary Patali Champika Ranawaka, Tilvin Silva said that defeating the 19th Amendment was a betrayal of the mandate given to President Maithripala Sirisena by the people. He made these comments at a press conference at JVP head office on Wednesday (25).

Recalling that JHU had also opposed the 17th Amendment, Silva asked if the JHU was deciding to support or oppose amendments to constitution considering odd and even numbers. They might support a 20th Amendment someday, he quipped.

Silva added that the 19th Amendment still has shortcomings. The promise was to completely abolish the executive presidency. However, the mere presentation of the amendment in parliament is a success as it had taken a considerable fight to get to that stage, he pointed out.

Therefore, the JVP will support the implementation of the 19th Amendment but will propose further amendments to the bill to implement the total abolition of executive presidency, Silva said.