Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- The next President will continue to hold positions such as head of the executive, head of government and the Cabinet, and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces even though excessive powers of the president have been slashed through the 19th Amendment, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said .

The Megapolis and Western Development Minister was addressing a business forum held in Anuradhapura recently.

He said that although the arbitrary powers of the Executive President have now been curtailed to some extent, the presidency is still a powerful position.

He said the winner of the upcoming Presidential election will have the opportunity to set up a strong government with over 113 seats in Parliament.

"The majori...