The Council was to initially discuss the proposed legislation by the new government and the failure of this apex body to meet has resulted in a delay in the introduction of some key proposals in the 100 day programme.

Following the Presidential election and the formation of the new government, the National Executive Council was scheduled to meet once a week. However, these once a week meetings have now been reduced to no meetings.

The Council is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena and includes Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, TNA representative M.A. Sumanthiran, SLMC Leader Rauf Hakeem, DPF Leader Mano Gneshan, JHU Chairman Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thero and many others.