He made these remarks when the All Ceylon Makkal Congress led by MP Rishard Bathiudeen, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by MP Rauff Hakeem, Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani led by MP C.V. Vigneswaran and the Tamil Progressive Alliance led by MP Mano Ganesan met him for a discussion on the proposed All-Party Government at the President’s Office yesterday (10).

The group of MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, who became independent in parliament a few months ago also met the President to discuss the same matter yesterday.

The President informed the MPs that the appointment of the Sectoral Oversight Committee is taking place these days while he has understood the necessity of appointing several other sub-committees as well.

He also said that it is the main aim to form the National Council and it needs the representation of all the political parties and the affiliated parties of the already formed political alliances.

President Wickremesinghe also explained to the participants the importance of granting the Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees the powers similar to Cabinet Ministers and their participation in the Cabinet meetings when needed.

At this meeting which was also participated by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane and the Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, the President requested the participated groups to inform him of their decision on whether they are willing to take part in the committee system or to join the government following internal discussions within their respective Parties.