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New constitution will not alter place of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, declares minister

Senior Sri Lankan government Minister Lakshman Kiriella reassured reporters that a new constitution would continue to grant Buddhism the foremost place on the island.

Mr Kiriella told reporters that the new constitution is one that the government will ensure will last “forever” with no provisions for change, even if all 225 parliamentarians voted against it.

“Nothing is going to happen to the Unitary Status of the country and to Buddhism,” the minister declared.

The minister when on to reassure reporters that this would be the case, stating “there is no need to instil fear in the minds of the people even before a Constitution is drafted”.

His comments come after Buddhist leaders called for Buddhism to continue to have the foremost place on the island, a request that the Sri Lankan president vowed to keep.

See our earlier posts:

Sirisena reassures monks that new Sri Lanka constitution will protect Buddhism (10 Jan 2016)

Monks urge Sri Lankan leaders to ensure Buddhism foremost place (10 Jan 2016)

Sirisena announces process to draft Sri Lanka's new constitution (10 Jan 2016)

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