PA reiterates foremost status to Buddhism

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 01 August 2000, 15:55 GMT]
The Sri Lankan government reiterated Tuesday that the "foremost place" given to Buddhism in the constitution will not in anyway be changed under the new constitutional reform proposals to be tabled in Parliament on Thursday. A government spokesman said that the status of Buddhism would be further strengthened and enhanced in the new constitution.

Reacting to criticism that the constitutional proposals would do away with the foremost place given to Buddhism in the country's present constitution, the Sri Lankan government assured the Buddhist clergy and the Sinhalese last month that it would retain the provision in question intact.

Article 9 of Sri Lanka's constitution stipulates that Buddhism should be given the foremost place and the state should foster and protect Buddhism.

Tamils see this provision as a major legal obstacle in devolving power to the minorities.