Opp. Leader says constitutional amendments cannot be done prior to polls

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that constitutional amendments cannot be made when an election is nearing.

"The constitution cannot be amended without obtain a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Do they (government) have the majority?," Mr. Rajapaksa queried while speaking to the press in Hanguranketa today (Jun 24).

The Opposition Leader said he is thankful that the President had understood the damage caused by the 19th amendment.

Mr. Rajapaksa's statement came in the wake of President Maithripala Sirisena's remarks yesterday stating that the 18th and 19th constitutional amendments must be abolished in order to make Sri Lanka a better country.

"However, I do not know the harm caused by the 18th amendment," Rajapaksa told reporters.

Meanwhile, the PAFFREL (People’s Action For Free & Fair Elections) organisation also stated that the 19th amendment should not be abolished but must be amended further.