Prioritize new constitution over amendments - civic groups

COLOMBO (News1st): Civic groups have urged the government to introduce a new constitution rather than abolishing the 19th amendment in a hurry. "They say it takes two years to bring the new constitution," Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, the convener of the Federation of National Organizations said. He added that the government would lose its two-thirds majority in Parliament if it is delayed. Dr. Wasantha Bandara, the secretary of the organization, pointed out that abolishing the 19th amendment hurriedly can damage the government's image. "...it would impede the government's attempt to bring forth a new constitution," he told reporters on Wednesday. Government lawmakers have said they would retain some provisions of the 19th amendment while brining the 20th amendment. They have cited the proposed amendment as a precursor to introduce a new constitution.