Sri Lanka’s bishops back decentralized power, oppose changing constitution

June 13, 2013

Sri Lanka’s bishops, led by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, have announced their opposition to a proposed change to the nation’s constitution.

A constitutional amendment that took effect in 1987 decentralized power in the strife-torn nation by establishing provincial councils. A political party associated with the Sinhalese ethnic majority has called for changes to the amendment in the name of national unity.

 

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Further information:

• “Not to proceed with amendments to the 13th Amendment”: Catholic Bishops' Conference (Archdiocese of Colombo)
• Bishops to the government: "Yes to decentralization and a new Constitution" (Fides)