UCA News
Contribute

New Sri Lankan Constitution seen as a hope for human rights

Activists met in Colombo to agitate for a fair and peaceful society
New Sri Lankan Constitution seen as a hope for human rights

Human rights activist and a lawyer, Nimalka Fernando address a public seminar on Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 at the Mahaweli center in Colombo. (Photo by Susitha Fernando)

Published: December 13, 2016 05:54 AM GMT
Updated: December 13, 2016 06:14 AM GMT

Human Rights Day kicked off in Sri Lanka as activists gathered in the capital of the formerly war-torn state to push for extensive human rights provisions to be written into the country's new Constitution.

Celebrating the 68th International Human Rights Day, activists, trade union leaders and professionals met in Colombo on Dec. 10 to call for citizens to ensure that human rights are written into the draft Constitution. They held a public seminar at the Mahaweli center under the theme, "Let us change mindset before changing laws."

The new constitution is supposed to cement a nascent peace between the Buddhist Sinhalese and minority Tamils after nearly 30 years of civil war. While the war officially finished in 2009, the foundational problems have not been addressed and aggression continues.

"Is the alternative attacking every Christian church that you see? Is the alternative attacking the mosque or Muslim nationals? Should the alternative be preparing for another civil war?" said leading human rights activist and lawyer, Nimalka Fernando, referring to extremist groups who continue sectarian vendettas.

"The future political journey of the country should be decided by the people including those battered by three decades of war in the north. It should be decided by the groups who suffered in the war," she said, advocating for strong constitutional changes to safeguard human rights.

Many of those attending the seminar, also agreed that the executive presidency should be abolished. In Sri Lanka, the president is a fixed executive and cannot be removed except for specific reasons outlined in the current Constitution nor does the president need a parliamentary majority. 

 

J.C. Weliamuna, former director of Transparency International in Sri Lanka, addresses a public seminar for Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 in Colombo. (Photo by Susitha Fernando)

J.C. Weliamuna, former executive director of the Sri Lankan branch of the anti-corruption organization, Transparency International, said that human rights should be established through a strong constitution. "We must restore the parliamentary system instead of the executive presidency which establishes all power around one person and creates dictatorial leaders," he said.

Sri Lanka is at a decisive juncture as the constitutional changes to decentralize power requires a referendum. However, some doubt that the Sinhala majority would agree to decentralize power or let states with sizeable Tamil and Muslim populations have a referendum.

Referring to Britain, Colombia and Italy, Niran Anketell, a constitutional lawyer, said "there is a belief that referendums are dangerous as they give power to racists, therefore Sri Lanka should not have a referendum and we should attempt constitutional changes through legislation."

"Civil society has a crucial role to play here and we must stand up and say that it is possible to win the constitutional change... This is our agenda, that an ambitious new Constitution will right the wrongs of the past and address the fundamental structural wrongs in the existing constitution."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia