Several UNP MPs, former army commander Sarath Fonseka and the prominent Buddhist Prelate the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera will launch a common forum to push for the abolition of the Executive Presidency and the repeal of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, who was involved in the formation of the forum told Daily Mirror that UNP MPs. Palitha Range Bandara, Palitha Theveraperuma, Karu Jayasuriya and Asoka Abeysinghe would join the forum on October 18.

Others who are expected to support the forum are MPs Arujuna Ranatunga, Jayantha Ketagoda.

UNP Southern Provincial Council member Maithri Gunaratne and Western Provincial Council member Shiral Laktilaka are also expected to support this forum.

Several political parties will also join the forum, said Mr. Jayaskera.

It was emphasised that there was no intention to form a political party. The aim of the forum was to agitate for constitutional change with the abolition of the Executive Presidency, reenactment of the 17th Amendment and establishment of the rule of law. Mr. Jayasekera said this would be a civil movement and not a political party. Mr. Jayaskera said the organisation would be formed on October 18. He said it had no intention of contesting elections.

"We are just extending our support to the Ven. Sobitha Thera,” he said.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka