New constitution will address most grievances of different communities: Visiting Swiss Speaker

Appreciating the efforts taken by the political leadership of the country to draft the new constitution, Speaker of the National Council of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland Christa Markwalder said it would bring solutions to a majority of the issues faced by different communities in the country. 

Markwalder who also visited the Temple of Tooth and the Chief Prelates of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters said that Buddhist philosophy which teaches followers coexistence will be contribute immensely to the process of devolution of power in the country. She said that the teachings and trainings given in Buddhism have been a strong contributor in peace building in the country. 

Markwalder added that as a country which has decentralised power, Switzerland will closely observe the process in Sri Lanka. 

Discussing the current situation of the country with the visiting dignitary, Malwathu Chapter Chief Prelate, Ven. Thibbotuwawe  Sri Sidhartha Sumanagala Thero explained that the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka will ensure that the a development path they take will not disturb the reconciliation efforts among the ethnic groups. 

“They will never take any decisions which would negatively affect any ethnic or religious group in the country,” he assured.  

The Thero expressing his views further said that any country would have political or religious extremists. The situation is not a unique one to this country, he emphasised. 

The Thero explained that the two leaders of the country have identified the needs of every community in the country and will work to ensure all benefit equally. There is no truth in claims that the ethnic groups in the country are divided, the President and Prime Minister of the country will not allow such a situation to develop, Sumangala Thero explained adding that statements made recently by Northern Province Chief Minister Wignaswaran have fuelled activities of some extremist elements in the country.