Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P Perera stated that the President will have to dissolve the parliament if the 19th Amendment is not approved on April 28.

Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Perera said that the government will have no mandate to move forward if it fails to achieve its main goal, which is the passing of the 19th Amendment.

The 19th Amendment was to be debated on April 21 and 22. However, due to a protest at the parliament, it was decided to postpone the debate to April 27 and 28. The vote will be taken on April 28.

SLFP insists that the 19 th Amendment should be passed simultaneously with a 20th Amendment to change the electoral system. However, the UNP and the JVP argue that these are two different matters. SLFP has a majority in the parliament.

Perera insisted that President Maithripala Sirisena should be able to get the numbers from the SLFP to approve 19th Amendment.