President insists on abolishing 19A before presidential polls

President Maithripala Sirisena today (Jun 26) insisted that the 19th amendment must be abolished before the presidential elections since it has become a curse to the country.

Addressing a meeting with media heads this morning, the President reiterated that the latest constitutional amendment had created the prevailing political instability in the country. 

"I doubt whether the 19th amendment was drafted by a group of legal experts or a bunch of ignorant people," he scoffed adding that the amendment had been drafted due to the request of some non-governmental organisations (NGO)'s.

Commenting on the upcoming presidential polls, the President said he would accept any decision taken by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in that regard.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sirisena refuted news reports stating that a decision has been made to summon him before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday attacks. 

He said that he has not been given to notice to appear before the PSC and he would not appear before the same even if he is called to do so. He claimed that the PSC is a drama that has been scripted at Temple Trees.

In addition, the President told media heads that he is in disagreement with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Acquisition and Cross Services Agreement (ACSA) which has been signed with US.

He also claimed that the US had requested Sri Lanka to stop all defence dealings with Russia.