The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes, there is a need for a new Constitution. (ii) Yes, that pledge has been made. (iii) A Constitution is a country’s fundamental law. Amending it without study, expert consultation and public engagement within a short period will not be successful. (iv) There is an urgent need to amend certain laws, regulations and Acts expeditiously. Since assuming office, 8 new and amended Acts have been passed. A considerable number are at draft stage. Accordingly, attention is focused on urgently resolving key sectors by amending and drafting necessary laws in an orderly manner. (v) Therefore, constitutional reform will be undertaken appropriately within the current term of governance, and initial work has already commenced. When drafting, all sides will be consulted and all views respected.

¶ 03 The Government’s unified goal is that the new Constitution should be a democratic, people-endorsed Constitution. There must be public discourse on constitutional reform, open to expert opinion and social dialogue. Both parties in and out of Parliament and all citizen groups will be heard. Thus, the Constitution to be drafted will be an unprecedented, democratic one that listens to all segments of society.

¶ 04 (b) Not applicable. Prioritization has commenced; ongoing law reforms form part of this process. Recommendations from prior committees appointed by past governments will also be considered. As the Constitution is not a document to be constantly altered, compiling a new Constitution will be undertaken with deep study and expert consultation, which will take adequate time.