Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna General Secretary Tilvin Silva stated that President Maithripala Sirisena must decide on his loyalty in the dispute regarding the 19th Amendment.

Speaking at an event in Vavuniya, Silva said that 19th Amendment falls short of people’s expectations. More than 6.2 million people voted for Maithripala Sirisena hoping for the abolition of the executive presidency, he pointed out. However, it has not been achieved in the 19th Amendment, Silva added. Nevertheless, this is a positive move towards reform, he said.

Silva slammed the Sri Lanka Freedom Party for blocking the way for the 19th Amendment by asking for simultaneous electoral reforms. He said that SLFP did not support Sirisena at the presidential election. It was the people who supported and made his victory possible. Therefore he has to choose whether his loyalty lies with the people or the party, Silva said.