Herath emphasized that the constitutional drafting is a key component of the National People’s Power party’s manifesto, which prioritizes equality, democracy, and participatory governance.

Sri Lanka’s newly elected government will embark on drafting a new constitution aimed at addressing the country’s longstanding ethnic issues, cabinet spokesman Vijitha Herath announced today. Speaking at the inaugural press briefing of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s three-member cabinet, Herath confirmed that the proposed constitution will be presented to the public for a referendum once the new government is in place.

Herath emphasized that the constitutional drafting is a key component of the National People’s Power (NPP) party’s manifesto, which prioritizes equality, democracy, and participatory governance. “It was a presidential election that was held recently. A president was elected. A parliamentary election has been called to elect a government. Our manifesto clearly states that a new constitution will be drafted and presented before the people of the country for their approval,” he stated.

During his campaign, Dissanayake pledged to not only draft a new constitution but also to conduct long-overdue provincial council and local government elections within a year, alongside appointing a commission to investigate discrimination. At a rally in Jaffna on September 5, he articulated his vision for a government that unifies rather than divides, stating, “Governments in our country were formed against the ‘other.’ My first objective is to change this politics of opposition to the other.”

Inclusive Governance

Dissanayake criticized past politicians who have attempted to negotiate with northern communities using limited measures such as the 13th Amendment, asserting that his administration would focus on broader, more inclusive governance. “If I came to make a deal with you, you might say 13 is not enough, give us plus. My first intention is to build a government that has won the confidence of both the north and the south,” he declared.

Reflecting on the historical context, Dissanayake noted the previous efforts to draft a new constitution, including the halted initiatives between 2015 and 2019. He stated, “There has been a need for a new constitution in Sri Lanka for a long time. The NPP plans to rapidly conclude the process that began in 2015-2019.”

The proposed constitution aims to devolve political and administrative power to local governments and provinces, ensuring political participation from every ethnic group. As Sri Lanka stands on the brink of significant political change, the drafting of a new constitution could be a pivotal step towards fostering national unity and addressing ethnic disparities.