The Government will seek broad national consensus before introducing a new Constitution, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Monday.
The President met representatives of an alliance of six Tamil and Muslim political parties at the Presidential Secretariat. During the meeting, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to constitutional reform, including the abolition of the Executive Presidency.
However, he said the Government will not rush the process. Instead, it wants to build broad public and political support before presenting a new Constitution.
The meeting also focused on the long-delayed Provincial Council elections.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), a Parliamentary Select Committee is already examining issues related to the elections. The President said he plans to discuss the concerns raised during the meeting with the committee.
Parties call for wider consultation
ITAK General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran said a new Constitution should emerge through an inclusive national dialogue. He said no single political party should introduce it on its own.
Representatives of the alliance also raised concerns about the Provincial Council electoral system, the Delimitation Commission, land issues and challenges affecting communities in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The President said the Government will continue discussions with political parties as work on constitutional reform moves forward.
Government Decisions Presidential Affairs
Last modified: August 4, 2026
