The Mahanayake Theras of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters presented two separate letters to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe containing their views on constitutional reforms with special regards to the sovereignty of the country and the foremost place given to Buddhism. The letters were handed over to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe when he called on the Mahanayake Theras on Saturday.
The letter by the Malwathu Mahanayake Thera to the Prime Minister notes that decision-making powers on national policy should be vested with the Central Government.
The letter of the chief incumbent of the Malwathu Chapter further states that the government should take steps to clear the air about rumours that certain proposals on constitutional reforms submitted by sub committees infringe on the sovereign status of the country. The Mahanayake Thera also requested to stop settlements in forest reserves and affirmed the need to preserve places of worship in the North and East.
The Malwathu Mahanayake Thera also suggested a forum of discussion on the same issues should be held with politicians and impartial representatives of civil organisations taking part.
Meanwhile, the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiriya Chapter stated that the government should focus on amending certain provisions in the 13th amendment which may infringe Sri Lanka’s unitary status. The thera also stated that powers to amalgamate provinces was unhealthy for the country.
The letter also suggested that it may be prudent not to vest powers with the provincial councils to deal with land and police matters.