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CBK calls for a federal semi-secular constitution

15 September 2016 11:54 am - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga called for a joint effort of all parties to compile a federal semi-secular constitution in order to bring about a proper reconciliation in the country.

Ms Kumaratunga, who was speaking at a seminar organized by the national secretariat for national reconciliation in Colombo, said Sri Lanka should learn a lesson from number of countries which have resolved their issues by formulating federal and secular constitutions.

“South Africa resolved its conflict through a federal constitution. Nigeria resolved its conflict by the same means. In India there are 36 languages and dialects, and number of religions such as Jain Buddhism, Sheikism. It was a country which never had unitary status as there were several kingdoms within that country in the past. However the British brought them all together. Leaders like Nehru and Gandhi drew up a federal constitution for India as a means of gaining independence. The Indian Constitution treats that country as a Secular State. India has become a stable nation as a result of its federal and secular constitution,” Ms Kumaratunga said.

“I strongly believe that India had become a stable country as a result of devolution of power and by safeguarding the rights of all ethnic groups in that country. Nepal also faced grave issues with the fall of the monarchy and now with the help of several countries a secular constitution has been introduced” she added.

“Buddha said that everyone is equal. So why are we against giving equal rights to everyone in the nation?. Our effort is to compile a constitution which gives priority to Buddhism and gives equal rights to all other religions and at least try to convert Sri Lanka into a semi-secular state even if we are unable to convert it into a totally secular state,” she said.

 

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  Comments - 19

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  • Udaya Thursday, 15 September 2016 03:50 PM

    Well Said !!

    puspy Thursday, 15 September 2016 09:40 PM

    For the first time I agree totally with madam CBK. If our country wants to move forward we should listen to CBK. Sadly people likr MR and Wimal will oppose to it. Where do we go next.

    sam Thursday, 15 September 2016 08:52 PM

    You should have federalism basis of ethnicity.That the reason oppose it. This CKB could not understand it and compare with Buddha`s teaching

    LAl Thursday, 15 September 2016 06:44 PM

    A federal system will allow all areas of Sri Lanka to develop equally and every region will have a big impact on the country's decisiom making

    surasena Thursday, 15 September 2016 06:02 PM

    As far as we can live in peace and harmony "labels" hardly matter

    Ratnayake Thursday, 15 September 2016 05:54 PM

    There are no similarities between the countries quoted and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was founded as an Unitary state anot an amalgamation of independently ruled fiefdoms or kingdoms.

    waco Thursday, 15 September 2016 05:07 PM

    SWRD and Srimavo ruined the country and its economy.This woman is trying to pave the parth for her Son.

    sach Thursday, 15 September 2016 04:07 PM

    Sri Lanka heading unstability......and eventual break up and become an indian colony

    Sunil Thursday, 15 September 2016 04:02 PM

    Why "semi-secular constitution" let's gain the courage to go all the way and create a truly secular Nation!

    Sri Lankan Thursday, 15 September 2016 04:00 PM

    Sri Lanka is a very small island and six times smaller than Tamil Nadu and also Tamil Nadu is seven times the population of Sri Lanka. The Sinhala population is about 76% and the Tamils about 9%. Federal system means we SINHALESE are compelled to forego many of our rights and freedom to please the 9% Tamils and our betraying politicians. via DM Android App

    sigiriya Thursday, 15 September 2016 12:41 PM

    Well said, Madam!

    Tisa hamy Thursday, 15 September 2016 03:36 PM

    If Tamils want north east rest of the country belong to sinhalese. If Tamils want to call north east ealam the rest of the country should be called Sinhale.

    Sahan Thursday, 15 September 2016 03:18 PM

    May I know are those countries have their federal system base on ethnicity??

    Wele Vidane Thursday, 15 September 2016 02:21 PM

    Federal system for ethnic groups?

    Unionist Thursday, 15 September 2016 01:57 PM

    many countries in the world maintain stability by having a federal system. The US, Australia, Malaysia etc. it has never threatened unity, but rather gave unity to something that never was.

    Raju uk Thursday, 15 September 2016 01:47 PM

    Well Said Madam!a Reality,Timely and a brave Speech.well done.

    Haris Thursday, 15 September 2016 01:44 PM

    Good thought!We welcome you madam..

    OMG Thursday, 15 September 2016 12:59 PM

    How do you learn your mistakes?

    lkboy Thursday, 15 September 2016 12:43 PM

    whatever CBK tried to do in the past was a failure. So we shouldn't take what she says seriously.


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