President Maithripala Sirisena thanked all stakeholders including the Maha Sanga, political parties and civil society groups and active citizens who contributed to the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, adding that it is a historic event in Sri Lankan politics.

Though Presidential candidates promised to abolish the Executive Presidency at five previous occasions, it became a reality only on Tuesday, President Sirisena said in a statement.

This is a major step taken to strengthen the democracy of the country as it was achieved constitutionally following the recommendations of the Supreme Court and with the consent of all political parties, the statement added.

Since adopting the constitution in 1978, every amendment apart from the 13th and the 17th were further bolstered the power of the Executive Presidency, Sirisena reiterated. The 18th amendment was a reversal of the democratic achievements of the 17th amendment and embellished the powers of the Executive President unprecedentedly, he further mentioned.

President Maithripala Sirisena further stated that he believes this victory is relevant not only for today, but also for the future generations of Sri Lanka.

Seen as a pet-project of Sirisena, the 19th Amendment was passed by the parliament with a huge majority after prolonged negotiations.