Sri Lanka to Draft New Constitution with Public Referendum and Accountability Measures.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced plans to rewrite the Constitution with direct public participation, marking the first time in the nation’s history that a constitution will be approved by the people through a national referendum.

Addressing Parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional reform, domestic accountability, and national reconciliation. He acknowledged that the current Provincial Council system, though constitutionally mandated, has long failed to provide a meaningful solution to the country’s national question.

Herath emphasized that while the government remains committed to holding Provincial Council elections, legal obstacles—such as Parliament’s failure to approve the Delimitation Commission report—have created a deadlock. He proposed new legislation and parliamentary consensus as the only way forward, stressing that the process must uphold constitutional integrity.

Highlighting widespread criticism of the existing constitution as outdated and disconnected from modern realities, Herath said the new draft would prioritize fundamental rights, national unity, and public trust. The reform process will incorporate parliamentary input, public consultation, and finally, a referendum.

Beyond constitutional reform, Herath addressed broader challenges, including Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and geopolitical pressures, noting that new tax policies were part of a systemic reform agenda. He also outlined a five-year national reconciliation plan, already approved by Cabinet, aimed at fostering ethnic harmony, institutional trust, and social cohesion.

The minister strongly rejected the need for foreign-led accountability processes, affirming confidence in Sri Lanka’s independent judiciary and domestic mechanisms to investigate past crimes. These include politically motivated killings, the Easter Sunday attacks, and violence against journalists. He assured Parliament that all investigations will be transparent, impartial, and aligned with international standards.

Herath concluded that constitutional reform, reconciliation, and accountability are central to building a stronger, united, and democratic Sri Lanka.