President thanks all Parties who contributed to the Passing the 19A

President Maithripala Sirisena said the adoption of the 19th amendment to the constitution with two thirds majority is a historic victory of Sri Lankan society, President Secretariat said. "This victory is the result of a 37 year long struggle of the active citizens of Sri Lanka," he said. President thanks all stakeholders whose contributed to this effort, including the Maha Sanga, political parties and civil society groups, active citizens, who struggled, sustained and enriched the discourse on this amendment. President specially thanked the Members of Parliament and political parties who supported this amendment. Though Presidential candidates had promised to abolish Executive Presidency at five Presidential Elections, this is the only time it could be made a reality. 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 also with the consent of all political parties. Since adopting the constitution in 1978, every amendment apart from the 13th and the 17th were further buttressed the power of the Executive Presidency. The 18th amendment was a reversal of the democratic achievements of the 17th amendment and embellished the powers of the Executive President to unprecedentedly. President Sirisena further stated his belief that this victory is relevant not only for today, but also for the future generations.