Heated arguments took place at the SLPP-led alliance party leaders meeting yesterday over the upcoming Provincial Council elections, informed political sources said.

The main topic discussed at the meeting was the timeline of the PC election and the issues surrounding the electoral system.

As there was no agreement over the two issues, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would convene another party leaders meeting on April 19 to make a final decision on the matter.

A paper prepared by Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakon on the electoral system was discussed at the meeting and a number of party leaders raised strong objections to the proposed system.

Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, two strong critiques of the PC system, were not present at the party leaders meeting yesterday.

When the cabinet paper was presented to the cabinet last week, ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Bandula Gunawardena and Dullas Alahapperuma strongly objected and the President called for a meeting of party leaders to take a final decision on the matter.