New Constitution must be approved at referendum -- Kiriella

Higher Education and Highways Minister Lakshman Kiriella said that the proposed constitution, once it is finalised, would be submitted for approval by the people at a referendum.

At a recent function to mark the opening of a modern laboratory for the Road Development Authority in Kotmale for the production of cold mix for road construction, he said the government was confident that it would be able to get the support of the people for this exercise.

He said the government would not attempt to enact a new constitution with only a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“There is no point in enacting a constitution without the people’s support. The national unity government was formed to address the issues that had plagued this country. In the past, two constitutions were worked out. On both occasions, the Tamil parties boycotted the process. Today, they are involved in the process which is spearheaded by a committee headed by the Prime Minister,” he said.

He said that though many expected a major economic boost after the war was over, it did not happen.