ICC Note:

Christians in Sri Lanka, who themselves face instances of persecution, have stood up for discriminated minorities as the country gathers grassroots submissions for constitutional reforms. Specifically, the Christians have stood up on behalf of Tamil community. As Sri Lanka continues to recover from years of civil war and unrest, will the government take the Christians suggestions into account and give full rights to all its citizens?

3/18/2016 Sri Lanka (Herald Malaysia) – The Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reforms (PRCCR) has completed its work of gathering grassroots submissions from across the country. Attorney Lal Wijenayaka chairs the 20-member PRCCR.

Some 5,000 proposals for constitutional change, both written and oral, were presented between 18 January and 29 February and will be the basis for a bill to amend Sri Lanka’s constitution.

Since it was adopted in 1977, the country’s fundamental charter was changed 19 times. Now it needs an overhaul to reflect a country profoundly changed after years of civil war.

Some Christian activist groups have submitted their own proposals, stressing the need to respect minorities, defend everyone’s rights, and establish a truly democratic system.

The Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) is among those who took part in the public consultations.

“One of the key aspects of the national debate is the situation of the Tamil community,” Fr Sarath Iddamalgoda, a CSM coordinator, told AsiaNews.

“In Sri Lanka, minorities are making many claims because they are discriminated against. Christians have a responsibility to defend everyone’s rights in this country. ”

…