Every attempt would be made to defeat this constitutional conspiracy, minister Patali Champika Ranawaka told the media today (24).

He described the amendment as a conspiracy that allows persons, who cannot win through votes, to gain power.

The amendment has been prepared to the wants of a single person, and the status given to the president has now been swindled by the prime minister, he charged.

It paves the way for a person, who couldn’t win elections for 23 years, to become leader of the country, said the minister.

He also said the increase in the number of cabinet members to 40 is against good governance.

Mr. Ranawaka said his party’s stance was that the authoritarian powers of the executive presidency should be removed without abolishing the position itself.

Gammanpila to courts

Meanwhile, the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya will go to courts tomorrow against the 19th amendment, says its secretary Udaya Gammanpila.

Democratic Left Front leader Vasudeva Nanayakkara says several more amendments should be introduced if the 19th amendment is to be enforced properly.