PM, UNF leaders unanimously decide foremost place for Buddhism and unitary state in new constitution
Dec 31, Colombo: United National Party (UNP) leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the leaders of the United National Front (UNF) have unanimously decided not to make any changes to the Article 9 of the present Constitution, which secures foremost place given to Buddhism, in the new constitution to be drafted.In addition, the UNF leaders have decided state the clause declaring Sri Lanka as a unitary state in all three - Sinhala, Tamil and English- versions of the new Constitution.
The Article 9 of the Constitution says the Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights.
The decisions have been taken following a special discussion between party leaders of the United National Front led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees today.
The Premier last Friday assured the Chief Prelates of Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters that the foremost place given to Buddhism and the unitary state policy will not be changed when formulating a new constitution or amending the existing Constitution.
The government intends to begin discussions on the proposed new constitution with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) which are represented in the parliament.
