Sri Lanka's Joint Opposition has spoken out against a USAID sponsored seminar on constitutionalism, stating that only a domestic process for drafting a new constitution should take place.

Joint Opposition leader Dinesh Gunawardena confirmed that  MPs had been invited to the conference later this month, but said it would decrease the Sri Lankan public's confidence in the constitution making process.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Mr Gunawardena said,

“Why is the US getting involved in constitution making in Sri Lanka? It’s a domestic process which should be undertaken by Sri Lankans.”

A book written by the LTTE political division's women's wing leader Thamilini is to be launched in Kilinochchi today, despite reported attempts to block the event by Sri Lankan police.

The book launch will be headed by poet Pon. Kanthan and is set to take place on Saturday at the Kilinochchi Co-operative College Hall. Two books are set to be released, an autobiography reportedly written by Thamilini prior to her death and an anthology of poems, both of which have been spearheaded by her husband.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena reiterated that his government would not allow foreign judges to be involved in an accountability mechanism for violations of international humanitarian law that occurred during the final stages of the armed conflict.

Mr Sirisena once again, spoke out against international involvement, repeating similar statements he has made over the last few months.

Speaking at a National Law Conference in Wadduwa, Mr Sirisena told the audience,

"I will not agree to get foreign judges in to any kind of investigations into human rights violations allegations".

The Sri Lankan president has been staunch in his opposition to international involvement, despite Sri Lanka committing to a UN resolution in September that mandates foreign judges and prosecutors.

The Sri Lankan military held a lecture on ‘Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law’ in Mullaitivu earlier this month.

Soldiers were given a lecture on the subject as part of a training day “under the supervision of Major General P.U.S. Vithanage, Commander, SFHQ-MLT,” reported a military website.

The lecture was given alongside another talk on “Earth Moving Machinery”.

Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillaiyan, had his bail application rejected by Batticaloa magistrates on Friday.

Mr Chandrakanthan, a former member of the LTTE who was embraced by the Sri Lankan government after he turned against the movement, is in custody over the killing of TNA parliamentarian Joseph Pararajasingham.

He was initially arrested on October 11. His next court hearing will take place on April 1.