Despite the government's claims, the Executive Presidency will not undergo any fundamental change, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

He said this in reply to a question asked by a journalist during his visit to Kandy for religious observances on Thursday.

“By the looks of it, he Executive Presidency will not change. Small sections might see changes”, Rajapaksa said.

Earlier this week, Cabinet approval was granted to a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to end the Executive Presidency and change the electoral system.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera later told the media that the abolition of the executive presidency will become effective after the end of President Sirisena's term.