Former President and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa today said it was the JVP that asked for a meeting with him to talk about the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. 

"As the Opposition Leader, it is my responsibility to allow any political group in the opposition, including the TNA, to meet me and discuss political matters," Rajapaksa said issuing a statement this afternoon.

Rajapaksa's statement said his meeting with the JVP was discussed during a party leaders meeting of the Joint Opposition (JO) yesterday. 

He also added that UPFA MPs Dinesh Gunawradena and Dullas Alahapperuma would also join his discussion with the JVP. 

Rajapaksa's statement today appears to be an attempt to allay fears within the JO/SLPP camp over his meeting with the JVP.

National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa previously asserted that his party would leave former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's camp if the latter decided to support the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, presented by the JVP. 

Weerawansa described the 20th Amendment which will lead to the abolition of the Executive Presidency as a "trap" laid by the JVP.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Weerawansa said his party would not think twice before leaving the Rajapaksa camp if the latter supported the 20th Amendment.