The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, as the basis for a new political culture, the present Government proposed a new Constitution that would abolish the Executive Presidency, re-establish a parliamentary system, create a non-executive President, and introduce a new parliamentary electoral system, to be approved by a referendum.

¶ 02 The Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the main Opposition at the time of the presidential and parliamentary elections, also acknowledged the need for a new Constitution. We remain agreeable to that. The current Constitution, distorted by numerous amendments, must be replaced by one suited to the times, strengthening democracy, representing the people’s needs, and creating a single centre of power rather than dual power centres. A clear majority of the people supports this. The environment and the opportunity are ideal now. The Government has two-thirds power in two out of the three arenas needed, and with our cooperation an overwhelming majority in Parliament can be secured for a new Constitution. There is agreement on the basic principles.

¶ 03 With the political momentum of a new administration, the draft should be presented for a referendum without delay. Global experience shows that good reforms become harder as time passes. Therefore, the Constitution must be drafted swiftly, passed with a two‑thirds majority, and approved by referendum quickly. This Government holds support from Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities, North and South, and is thus in a strong position.

¶ 04 However, what has the Government actually done? About six months have passed since the President assumed office and over three months since this Parliament convened. The President has addressed this House four times, but never spoke of the need for a new Constitution—not even on Independence Day or during the Committee Stage on the Defence Head, when he participated as Minister of Defence. The Budget contained no allocation to facilitate constitutional drafting. During the Committee Stage debate on the Judiciary Head, I asked specific questions: What is your intent regarding a new Constitution? What is the road map? By when do you expect to conclude it? Why no funds? Why no expert committee? Why no special select committee? Why no drafting body?

¶ 05 Hon. Minister, you did not answer even in a single word. That silence on a nationally critical matter is regrettable. The people clearly voted—twice—for a new political era. To sideline the Constitution, treat it secondarily, or forget it entirely is unfortunate.

¶ 06 Before the President spoke on the Defence Head, two Members directly asked him to present his position and plan on a new Constitution. He answered other questions, but not those.

¶ 07 If we are to take a new step for the country’s future, change our political culture, and plant the people’s aspirations, we must—across parties and colours—draft and adopt a new Constitution. Parliament has experience. As a Minister in the Good Governance Government, I too worked when a Constitutional Assembly within Parliament advanced a draft substantially. The current President and other then‑JVP MPs actively participated and reached consensus on fundamentals. I am not saying to use that draft as-is, but it can guide today’s urgent need. New ideas and the new Government’s vision can be incorporated. The process should begin immediately.

¶ 08 Therefore, I propose: 1. Establish a Constitutional Drafting Assembly representing all parties in Parliament. 2. Appoint an expert panel on constitutional law to assist the process. 3. Provide all necessary Government resources for the process. 4. Conclude drafting and adoption within one year.

¶ 09 I present this without partisan bias, out of deep commitment to the country. Let us work together with experts to craft a Constitution worthy of Sri Lanka.

¶ 10 Thank you.