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09/10/2017
Our Constitution should help foster a society that nurtures a culture of peace
based on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. A constructive dialogue
within and between the Sri Lankan diaspora communities around the globe can
make a vital contribution towards building trust and reconciliation, and help
create a more favourable environment for durable peace. We emphasise the
need for stakeholders to encourage and enable new opportunities for dialogue
between communities of Sri Lankan origin in Australia and beyond with a view to
developing consensus on the proposed constitutional reforms. says a joint
communiqu, issued by the Australian Advocacy for Good Governence in Sri
Lanka Inc.
The joint communique has been issued after a workshop held on the the Interim
Report of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly of Sri Lanka. The
workshop, facilitated by Emeritus Professor Joseph Camilleri of La Trobe
University and guided by Associate Professor Ken Coghill of the Monash
University has discussed specific topics including the role of constitution, rule of
law, devolution of power, separation of powers, judiciary and judicial
independence, independent regulatory bodies, accountability and reconciliation.
Dr Jayampathy Wickramaratne, MP and Presidents Counsel, has provided a
useful update via video link on the workings of the Steering Committee and
answered several questions raised on the Interim Report.
The full text of the joint communique:
Organised by the Australian Advocacy for Good Governance in Sri Lanka (AAGGSL)
With the release of the Interim Report of the Steering Committee of the
Constitutional Assembly of Sri Lanka on 21 September 2017, the debate over
constitutional reforms has begun earnestly. We welcome the Interim Report and
recognise the positive contribution it makes for the purpose of developing an
inclusive and harmonious Sri Lanka.
The Constitution sets out Sri Lankas basic law and the system of government,
including how Parliament works, what power it has, how the Parliament and local
elected bodies share power and the roles of the Ministers and the Courts. It also
reflects the principles and values by which the countrys people wish to be
governed.
As sovereignty is derived from the people, the citizenry need to actively and
constructively participate in this important conversation, articulating their views
prudently to build consensus on the complex issues that affect their lives and
governance.
A better, fairer and equitable future can only be built upon respect for the human
rights of all citizens irrespective of their ethnicities, including the rights outlined in
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
With the above considerations in mind, Australian Advocacy for Good Governance
in Sri Lanka (AAGGSL) organised a workshop on Constitutional Reforms and
Reconciliation in Sri Lanka on Sunday, 24th September at the Darebin
Intercultural Centre in Preston, Victoria, Australia.
Deliberations:
Our Constitution should help foster a society that nurtures a culture of peace
based on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. A constructive dialogue
within and between the Sri Lankan diaspora communities around the globe can
make a vital contribution towards building trust and reconciliation, and help
create a more favourable environment for durable peace. We emphasise the need
for stakeholders to encourage and enable new opportunities for dialogue between
communities of Sri Lankan origin in Australia and beyond with a view to
developing consensus on the proposed constitutional reforms.
We call upon the people of Sri Lanka and civil society organisations to engage in a
grassroots level campaign among the voters and politicians for the need for bold
Constitutional Reforms, with checks and balances that are vital to the health of
democracy, peace and prosperity of all peoples of Sri Lanka.
Agreed by the following participants:
* Hon Jude Perera MP disagrees with the first part of Point 8 above in that he is of
the view that the Chief Minister should appoint the Governor, whose role should
be a ceremonial role.