There is a ‘hidden agenda’ behind Patali Champika Ranawaka’s protest on 19th Amendment to the Constitution, author and activist Gamini Viyangoda of the Purawesi Balaya (Citizens’ Power) organization stated on Monday (30).

“The true reason behind his action is a prediction by an astrologer. He now believes that he can be the prime minister 2020 and then become president. It seems to us that these people have learnt nothing from the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa” he stated.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Rajagiriya Viyangoda further said that Ranawaka was trying to fulfill his ‘personal arrears’ with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe by protesting 19th constitutional amendments.

“Champika says if executive presidency was abolished separatists will be motivated. But I should say it is a nothing but a big lie. The country suffered from a war during 31 years and executive presidency was there all the time” Viyangoda elaborated.

Ranawaka was the only one who did not agree with 17th Amendment when they were presented to the parliament at that time. Now protesting against 19th Amendment is clearly a ‘local conspiracy’, he added.

Meanwhile participating in ‘Satana’ political talk show on Sirasa TV last Saturday, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also slammed Ranawaka that the latter had no genuine intention to protect the democracy in the country.

Speaking to media recently, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the removal of the president’s powers without seeking public opinion would amount to a ‘constitutional conspiracy.’

He stressed that Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) would never allow passage of the amendment as it is, since it is what was agreed upon by party leaders.