Constitutional reform: Christians demand respect for minorities and democracy
The government has started a process of constitutional reform through public consultations. Some 5,000 submissions were received from across the country. The goal is to amend the 1977 Constitution. Points of discussion include changing the system of government from semi-presidential to parliamentary, respect for minorities, and protection for everyone’s rights.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reforms (PRCCR) has completed its work of gathering grassroots submissions from across the country. Attorney Lal Wijenayaka chairs the 20-member PRCCR.
Some 5,000 proposals for constitutional change, both written and oral, were presented between 18 January and 29 February and will be the basis for a bill to amend Sri Lanka’s constitution.
Since it was adopted in 1977, the country’s fundamental charter was changed 19 times. Now it needs an overhaul to reflect a country profoundly changed after years of civil war.
Some Christian activist groups have submitted their own proposals, stressing the need to respect minorities, defend everyone’s rights, and establish a truly democratic system.
The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) is among those who took part in the public consultations.
"One of the key aspects of the national debate is the situation of the Tamil community,” Fr Sarath Iddamalgoda, a CSM coordinator, told AsiaNews.
“In Sri Lanka, minorities are making many claims because they are discriminated against. Christians have a responsibility to defend everyone’s rights in this country. "
In addition to the defence of Tamils, the priest stressed "the urgent need to restore democracy.” For him, “There is a broad consensus around the fact that we must abolish the semi-presidential system of government* and go back to a parliamentary system."
The CSM has presented proposals on the following topics: self-determination, respect for different communal identities, division of powers, north-south integration, religious equality, supremacy of the constitution, free education and health care, as well as protection for the environment where farmers and fishermen live.
For Fr Iddamalgoda, "the separation of powers and respect for the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers are vital. The first because we support the idea of maximum power sharing in an undivided country. The second because projects such as the Colombo Port City could destroy the livelihood of our people, who are largely engaged in farming and fishing. "
* Under the current constitution, the President of Sri Lanka is the head of state, the commander in chief of the armed forces, and the head of government.
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24/01/2007
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