Govt. to hold referendum for new Constitution

Monday, 13 February 2017 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has decided to call for a referendum with the support of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to pass a new Constitution once the draft is completed.

Minister of Higher Education and Highways and Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella, responding to a question raised by Joint Opposition lawmaker Wimal Weerawansa, said: “Government has cleared its position. A new Constitution will be brought in and a referendum will be held. No efforts will be taken to move a Constitution behind closed doors.”

According to Minister Kiriella, former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the current Constitution and the 13th Amendment were inadequate and to opt for a 13 plus. “We still receive proposals from certain political parties. The new Constitution will be made within the provisions of the 13th Amendment of the present Constitution,” he added.

However, MP Weerawansa said that the proposed Constitution includes a federal system catering to the needs of separatist forces. (AH)