Sri Lankan opposition says to back constitutional reforms

Sri Lanka's main opposition on Tuesday said it will support constitutional reforms proposed by the new government.

Opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the new government's draft proposals for constitutional changes have not yet been shared with the opposition.

Once those proposals are shared, the opposition will carefully study it and support it if it does not divide the country, he said.

The opposition leader said that the SLFP backs constitutional reforms, but it will discuss the issue with other opposition political parties and seek a consensus on such reforms, including on the Executive Presidential system.

The new Sri Lankan government, under President Maithripala Sirisena, is to propose reducing the powers in the hands of the president.

"We will look at reaching decisions which are best for the country and not an individual," he said.

He said that the SLFP had already decided to support President Maithripala Sirisena's 100-day program in Parliament.

Maithripala Sirisena, who was elected president earlier this month, had promised changes within 100 days before holding a Parliamentary election.

Nimal Siripala de Silva said the SLFP will contest the Parliamentary election under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena, who is the party's chairman.

The opposition leader said at the same time the opposition will also raise a voice against the mistakes being made by the government, including post election violence.