Sri Lanka Has Mandate to Abolish Executive Presidency, Minister Says

Sri Lanka's government possesses a mandate not only to amend the constitution but also to abolish the executive presidential system, according to Dr. Upali Pannila, Minister of Rural Development, Social Protection, and Community Empowerment.

Pannila asserted that the government has no intention of holding a referendum or illegally extending its term, emphasizing that all elections will proceed as scheduled. He made these remarks during a press briefing at his ministry.

The minister also detailed the "Community Power" poverty alleviation program, funded with 25,000 million rupees under the 2026 budget. He stated that at least one development project is currently underway in every Grama Niladhari division, demonstrating the government's commitment to efficiently and effectively eradicating poverty.

Pannila further noted that the government has successfully cultivated strong relationships and earned a high level of trust with regional, international, and other countries. He specifically mentioned collaborations with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, which he credited with helping the nation recover from its economic crisis.