Special features in updated draft of new Constitution

• UNP, SLFP wait for each other’s response on whether executive presidency should be retained
• Three options for election of PM – direct elections, pre-nomination or Westminster model
• Compromise policy proposed on land and police powers, but JHU opposes it
• ‘JO’ wants unitary state provision maintained, but minority parties seek ‘United Sri Lanka’ provision

By Our Political Editor-Sunday, June 11, 2017

An updated draft of a new Constitution has incorporated several new features but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over how soon political parties would be able to reach any consensus.

Main among them are the two principal partners in the Government – the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP). Each seems to be waiting for the other to make its position known. The draft, in the form of an interim report, was originally formulated in November last year and updated only in May this year by the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly.

Special features in updated draft of new Constitution.docx by Thavam Ratna on Scribd