Constitution making would not be delayed: PM

20 May 2017 12:12 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that he had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders that the constitution-making process would not be delayed.

He said this at the opening of the new District Secretariat Office in Mannar and underscored the fact that Mr. Modi and other world leaders including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had hoped Sri Lanka would resolve the national question through a constitutional process.

"Prime Minister Modi discussed this matter with me, President Maithripala Sirisena, the Leader of the Opposition and with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. I told Mr Modi that the steering committee of the Constituent Assembly will submit their report within in two months to be followed by enacting the new constitution after discussions," he said. “We cannot drag the constitution-making process anymore. President Sirisena was elected in 2015 to fulfil this purpose."

He said economic development would include the North as well, when permanent peace was established in the area with a fair proportion of power devolution.

"This is a time when Sri Lankans are commemorating those who died during the armed conflict. Those on both sides of the divide are Sri Lankans. However, the important factor is to ensure that there won't be another war in the future," the Prime Minister said.

Industries and Trade Minister Rishad Bathiudeen said it was important to include the North in the Government's development plans and that the northern people should also enjoy the benefits of GSP plus which the country re-gained yesterday.

Deputy Chairman of Committees, MP Selvam Adaikkalanathan said issues pertaining to resettlement and employment should be addressed by the government. He said President Sirisena has been invited to visit the North on another day other that on the day tha war heroes were being commemorated. (Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 11

Selvyn Saturday, 20 May 2017 01:13 PM

This Govt. must show sincerity and commitment in solving the age old issues affecting the people related to especially ethnicity via DM Android App

Lokka Saturday, 20 May 2017 02:12 PM

They commemorated not war heroes but terrorists who killed, tortured and maimed people of all ethnic groups in the country.

Seda Saturday, 20 May 2017 02:39 PM

so you are drafting the new constitution according to the diktats of outside forces?

Shelly. Saturday, 20 May 2017 02:41 PM

A new constitution only a day dream . SLFPers in Unity Govt will not support it due to pressure from MR. MS is not strong enough to pull out SLFPers from MR. via DM Android App

melda Saturday, 20 May 2017 02:48 PM

why do we have to report to other countries about when we are doing our things we have become an obedient slave of others... via DM Android App

Chandrapala Saturday, 20 May 2017 03:08 PM

Both the parties are in a competition to please India for election victory. What a shame

Lokka Saturday, 20 May 2017 06:28 PM

So constitutional making is to please Modi and others!!!! Ane yako.

Sunil Saturday, 20 May 2017 06:41 PM

No matter whether the new constitution is delayed or not, do not delay the elections as there is a lot you have to learn from elections.

sam Saturday, 20 May 2017 08:52 PM

Its a white wash. This will be dragged until the next election. via DM iOS App

ceylon Sunday, 21 May 2017 09:36 PM

forget the constitution.investors dont invest.constructions contracted.no reforms.econony diwn.what are you doing . via DM Android App

Mason Monday, 22 May 2017 12:07 PM

Is a new constitution more important, or a better life for the people more important. People are finding the day to day living costs are sky rocketing and the elected representatives are least concerned. The PM is only wanting to get luxury vehicles for his Ministers and harping on this new constitution subject from DAY ONE, instead of solving the pressing problems in the Country.

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Constitution making would not be delayed: PM

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