Sri Lanka debates reform, opponents protest

Sri Lanka debates reform, opponents protest
REUTERS

COLOMBO, AUG 7: Sri Lankan lawmakers on Monday began a crucial debate on a proposed new constitution aimed at ending the long separatist war, with the capital under tight security as opposition to the reforms mounted.

Thousands of heavily armed security men patrolled the streets of Colombo as Buddhist monks opposed to the reforms, which will devolve powers to minority Tamils, marched against the changes.

The constitution proposes to devolve powers to regions, including one administered by Tamils, in an effort to provide the mostly Hindu minority a political alternative to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The LTTE have been fighting for a separate homeland in Sri Lanka's north and east since 1983. The LTTE have rejected the proposed reforms.

The parliament complex in the Sri Jayawardenapura suburb of Colombo was turned into a virtual fortress and security was also tight at hotels where government lawmakers have been staying.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has said it would oppose the new constitution as the government was trying to force it through before proper discussion with the public and the influential Buddhist clergy.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe accused the government of breaking its promise to first discuss the reforms with the LTTE.

"This whole process has now been short-circuited and a constitution is to be enacted first and thereafter amended if necessary, in the event that the LTTE agrees to come for peace talks," he told the parliament.

Dozens of saffron-robed monks walked through the capital's business district in a silent procession on Monday to protest against the changes. Some monks were due to begin hunger strikes later in the day to press the government to abandon the reforms.

More than 1,000 supporters of the leftist People's Liberation Front wearing black head bands and carrying placards held a silent demonstration as several political parties and rights groups filed petitions in the Supreme Court, accusing the government of changing the electoral system for its own benefit.

Nationalist Sinhala organisations, who say the constitution would lead to the division of the country, plan bigger demonstrations on Tuesday before the vote on Wednesday.

The government needs 150 votes in the 225-member parliament to push the constitution through and the opposition has accused it of trying to buy its lawmakers with cash and houses.

One government lawmaker on Monday crossed over to the UNP just before the debate started. Later, one UNP lawmaker broke ranks and moved to the government side.

UNP members heckled Minister for Port Development Mohammed Ashraff as he put forward the government's position.

"Instead of a separation, there is an alternative path. This document will prove a real challenge to the LTTE," Ashraff said.

"Tomorrow, 25 UNP members will be on the government's side and the constitution will be passed with a two-third majority," he predicted.

The crucial vote comes two weeks before parliament's six-year term ends on August 24 and fresh elections become due.

The government, in a bid to attract UNP lawmakers, said last week it was planning to change the electoral system and increase the number of seats in parliament to 298.

The move came in for sharp criticism as 10 political parties asked the Supreme Court to examine the latest amendment to the existing constitution.

"It is clearly evident this is a cunning strategy adopted by the government, solely with the upcoming parliamentary elections in mind," they said in a joint statement.