NFF submits five proposals to include in proposed amendments to Sri Lanka's Constitution

Sri Lanka's National Freedom Front (NFF) led by Housing, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa has submitted five proposals to be included in the government's proposed constitutional amendments.



Among the proposals, the NFF has proposed the inclusion of a constitutional amendment that any person charged with the crime of separatism and acts in contravention of the country's unitary state concept be tried before the Supreme Court and final verdict issued within a set time.
The NFF has proposed that Clause 157(3) of the Constitution be amended in a manner that any person regardless of their social standing who directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate state within the territory of Sri Lanka be dealt with by the Supreme Court within a stipulated period of time.
NFF sources said that the party was looking at such a case being dealt with by the Supreme Court within a period of 90 days.
"The current laws are old and action could only be taken in the Court of Appeal for such an offence. We want this amended so that any one can file a petition at the Supreme Court and the Court would thereafter decide on it within 90 days," the source said.
Clause 157 of the Constitution deals with the "Prohibition against violation of territorial integrity of Sri Lanka."
Clause 157(3) states "Any person who acts in contravention of the provisions of paragraph (1) shall, on conviction by the Court of Appeal, after trial on indictment and according to such procedure as may be prescribed by law."
The other amendments proposed by the NFF to be included in the constitutional amendments are measures to safeguard fundamental rights of citizens and natural resources in the country.
The party has also proposed that measures be taken to emphasize the government's responsibility towards the public and ensure transparency.