The 19th Amendment is expected to be debated in parliament as planned, the government said. A special party leaders’ meeting was held last night to take a decision on the debate.

The 19th Amendment to reduce the executive powers of the president was to be debated on April 20 and 21. However, it was postponed for a day and was to be debated on April 21 and 22.

President Maithripala Sirisena recently said that the parliament will be dissolved once the 19th Amendment is passed. However, SLF, which has a majority in parliament, opposes the move to pass the amendment without approving electoral reforms.

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said at a Television interview last night that the president was keen on reducing powers of the executive presidency.

A protest against the summoning of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Bribery Commission forced the parliament to be adjourned until this morning. Some protesting MPs spent at the parliamentary chamber overnight.