Sri Lankan parliament to debate on new Constitution

Sri Lankan parliament will have a three-day debate in January on the proposals for a new Constitution, Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said on Monday.

Sri Lanka sponsored the resolution adopted by the UNHRC in September last year to work out a political solution to the country's Tamil issue, Xinhua news agency reported.

The country ended its 30-year war in May 2009. Since then there has been demands for power devolution.

Kiriella said six sub-committees had worked out proposals and they would be debated in Parliament between January 9 and 11.

"This is the first time in Sri Lanka that a Constitution making process has been underway under the glare of the media. Earlier, it was not open to the media. The general public can see what we do," he said.

After the debate, the views of respective political parties will be taken up for consideration in drafting the new Constitution.

In the UNHRC session scheduled for March next year, Sri Lanka's case is listed to be taken.

Therefore, the government is bent on showing some progress in Constitution making this year. It also mark the first anniversary of President Maitripala Sirisena in office.

--IANS

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