The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna launched a scathing attack on President Maithripala Sirisena saying the latter is driven by his incessant greed for power.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo today, SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said the President is "trying desperately" to cling on to power.

"This is why he is criticizing the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which he himself advocated four years ago," Peiris said.

The SLPP Chairman added that the President had done a 180-degree turn on his position over the Executive Presidency.

"He has completely deviated from the remarks that he made soon after assuming office," he added.

Peiris' critical remarks come against thhe backdrop where the SLFP, led by Sirisena, is attempting to form a common alliance with the SLPP.