The promise came at a meeting the two had at the PM’s office two days ago, also attended by MP Dinesh Gunawardena.

When Gunawardena asked about the government’s stand with regard to the doing away of the executive presidency, the PM answered that the SLFP has submitted amendments.

Rajapaksa recalled the UNP, National Movement for a Just Society and Pivithuru Hetak had given a promise at the last two elections that the executive presidency would be abolished entirely.

He said his group would extend support to make that happen.

This meeting is political decisive, as a majority in the SLFP is opposed to the full abolition of powers of the executive presidency.