President Maithripala Sirisena and a delegation of senior SLFP Ministers are expected to meet the chief prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters this week, informed political sources said. 

The purpose of the visit is to brief the chief prelates of the two chapters on the ongoing constitutional amendment process. 

This comes in the wake of the statement made by the Malwatte - Asgiriya Karaka Sangha Sabha against the introduction of a new constitution. 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a senior SLFP Parliamentarian said the SLFP had decided to back constitutional reforms. 

"The President is determined to proceed with constitutional reforms. But we need the support of the Maha Sangha. We believe hey have been misguided by certain political elements. The purpose of this discussion is to clear the air on nthe matter," he said. 

"The SLFP, as a party, will ensure that the constitutional amendment will not harm the unitary status of the country," the MP added.