Govt will go ahead with new constitution – Rajitha
July 5, 2017 03:53 pm
Co-cabinet Spokesman Dr Rajitha Senaratne says that a new constitution is being formulated to be implemented and not to keep looking at it.
He stated that the incumbent government has a mandate given by 6.2 million people and that the government is acting according to that mandate.
The Health Minister was responding to a question raised by journalists, during the cabinet press briefing held today (5), regarding the decision reached by the Maha Nayaka Theros of the three major Nikayas.
The leading Buddhist monks, who met last evening for a special discussion, unanimously decided that there is no need for a new Constitution for the country.
Dr Senaratne said that this mandate of 6.2 million also includes Buddhist monks and leaders of other religions. He added that the activities of the committee formulating a new constitution will continue onwards and that the final decision regarding this matter would be taken by the Parliament.
The co-cabinet spokesman said that he does not comprehend why the same individuals who protested demanding that “JR’s constitution” be repealed from the day it was passed, are now proposing that the very same be hoisted on the shoulder.
He stated that every constitution existing in the world goes through changes. Dr Senaratne said that the draft constitution once completed will be tabled in parliament to be passed by a two-thirds majority before a public referendum is held. Constitutionally and legally this process will go forward, he said.
