Sri Lanka's president, Maithripala Sirisena, rejected what he described as 'allegations' that the new government was considering removal Buddhism's prominent place in the country's constitution. 

The constitution currently confers to Buddhism the first and foremost place. The new government's decision to reform the constitution however prompted widespread calls internationally for any new constitution to ensure religious equality. 

An article published on the president's official media site, said Mr Sirisena "rejected the allegations made by the narrow extremist political groups by spreading false propaganda that the new government is preparing to remove the clause on Buddhism in the Constitution."

"In the national development as well as internationally the greatest thing we can bestow to the world is the Buddhist philosophy," he added, speaking at the opening of a golden fence at a sacred Buddhist site. 

"The government would fulfill the responsibility of healing the deteriorating society due to the use of high technology and commercializing influences of the world, by making Sri Lanka a center to spread the Theravada Buddhism to the world."

He also rejected reports the government was intending to build a bridge connecting Tamil Nadu, India to the North-East. 

"Some section of the society use these statements are attempting to mislead the general public," he added.