The Party Leaders’ meeting to discuss the draft 21st Amendment to the Constitution was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 27, to allow the Party Leaders present their observations regarding the draft Amendment, which had been distributed amongst them earlier this week, reports Colombo Page. Prime Minister’s Media Division said, at the meeting a general consensus was reached that a 21st Amendment to the Constitution had to be passed as soon as possible. Party Leaders agreed that re-enactment of 19A in the form of 21A would be the first step, abolishment of Executive Presidency would be the second step. Party Leaders will also further discuss whether or not the President can retain the Defense portfolio. Following the discussions party leaders decided that due to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) being unable to attend today’s meeting, they would hold a final meeting next Friday June 3, with the TNA’s attendance, so as to finalize the draft.