Draft report of new constitution does not project a concept of federal state: President

President Maithripala Sirisena emphasised that the draft report for a new constitutional proposals in any way does not project a concept of a federal state. 

The President also emphasised that he would not allow anyone to draft a constitution which would harm the unitary status of the country, and further said that he would not leave any room to change the foremost place given for Buddhism in the existing constitution.  

He made these remarks addressing a religious ceremony held at the Gamunupura Buddhist Center in Ampara on 29 September to present the scroll to the newly-elected Mahanayaka of the Udarata Amarapura Samagri Sangha Sabhawa, Most Ven. Girabe Mangala Nayaka Thero.

President Sirisena stressed before the Mahanayaka Theros that there was no clause in the new constitutional proposals to separate or divide the country, and said that still there was no draft proposal for a new constitution, and the report which was presented to the Parliament merely took into consideration ideas and suggestions of all parties, leaving room for alterations and discussions as well as negotiation.      

“The Government is paying prime attention to provide solutions for the problems faced by the people in the north and east, ensuring sustainable peace in the country, and building reconciliation among all the communities in a way which will prevent the recurrence of war,” he added. 

The President pointed out that if people in the country entertained ideas of the recurrence of war, the country would again move to a dark era, and said that the Government was committed to build reconciliation and trust among all the communities without leaving any room for such ideas among the public. President Sirisena also requested Manayaka Theros and all the religious leaders including Hindu, Islamic and Christians to discuss this, sitting at the same table.   

The President appreciated the religious and social service rendered by the newly-elected Mahanayaka Thero, Most. Ven. Girabe Mangala Mahanayakathero and further commended the service rendered by the Thero to build a better disciplined society.  

The Maha Sangha including Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Mahanayaka Thera, Ven. Nuwara Eliya Chandrajothi Thero, Ven. Karagahaulpatha Sugathananda Thera, Minister Daya Gamage, former Minister P. Dayarathna, Governor of the Eastern Province, Rohitha Bogollagama, and several Ministers of the Eastern Province attended the event.