Sri Lankan government to continue dialogue on constitutional reforms with main opposition UNP

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe met this morning and held in depth discussions at the President's House in a bid to continue with the talks initiated between the main opposition and the government last month.

United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Kabir Hashim told the media that the two leaders have agreed to continue with the talks on the government's proposed constitutional amendments and electoral reforms.
A UNP parliamentary group headed by Wickremasinghe met President Rajapaksa in July to discuss the constitutional amendments that are to be brought soon.
The UNP was undecided last week of continuing talks with the government on the constitutional reforms after two opposition MPs crossed over to the government side. The party accused the government of using the talks to entice opposition members to government ranks.
However, the UNP has once again agreed to continue the discussions with the government on the abolishing of the Executive Presidency, 17th Amendment to the constitution and electoral reforms.
(Pictures by Chandana Perera)