- Rekha Nilukshi Herath
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (3) met representatives of an alliance comprising six Tamil and Muslim political parties to discuss constitutional reform, the long-delayed Provincial Council elections, and a range of issues affecting Tamil speaking communities.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on the government’s proposal to introduce a new Constitution, challenges surrounding the Provincial Council elections, and land-related issues affecting the Northern and Eastern provinces as well as the Malayagam community, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Responding to concerns over the Provincial Council elections, the President said a Parliamentary Select Committee had been appointed to examine matters relating to the conduct of the polls. He added that the government intends to engage with the committee to address the issues raised by the representatives.
On constitutional reform, President Dissanayake reiterated that the government’s policy remains the introduction of a new Constitution and the abolition of the Executive Presidency. However, he stressed that the immediate priority is to build a broad national consensus rather than proceed with a hastily prepared constitutional amendment.
ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran told the meeting that a new Constitution should be developed through an inclusive national dialogue capable of addressing the concerns of all communities, rather than being introduced unilaterally by a single political party.
The discussion also focused on improving the living standards of the Malayagam community. The President said the government plans to grant estate workers and estate staff legal ownership of 10-perch residential land plots and intends to include relevant provisions when plantation lease agreements with the State are renewed before 2042.
Participants also discussed housing projects for the Malayagam community and practical challenges faced by beneficiaries of Indian-assisted housing schemes. President Dissanayake said the government plans to allocate additional funding through the 2027 Budget for plantation and community infrastructure development.
Addressing land issues, the President reaffirmed that the government’s position is that land should belong to the people and said steps, including the appointment of commissions, have already been taken to resolve longstanding disputes in the North and the Central Highlands.
He also announced that funding would be allocated through the 2027 and 2028 Budgets to construct 13,000 houses in two phases for families displaced by the conflict. In addition, permanent housing is being planned for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, while temporary shelters and rental assistance will continue until permanent homes are completed.
Representatives of the alliance also raised concerns over the Provincial Council electoral system, the work of the Delimitation Commission, land-related issues, and challenges arising from the policies of several state institutions affecting communities in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
Concluding the meeting, President Dissanayake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving longstanding issues through dialogue and consensus, while urging political representatives to work towards solutions that promote the interests of all Sri Lankans, the PMD said.