DATE=7/31/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SRI LANKA/ CABINET (L-O)
NUMBER=2-264974
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a set of
reform proposals aimed at ending the country's long
ethnic war. Vandana Chopra has details from Colombo.
TEXT: A government statement says the new draft
constitution was approved by the cabinet after a
lengthy discussion and will be presented in the
parliament on August 3rd.
The new legislation would spread more powers to the
regions in the north and east of the country. This is
an area dominated by Tamils.
The so-called "Devolution Bill" aims to partially meet
the Tamils' demand for a separate homeland.
Government officials say the legislation will be
presented in parliament this week so that the reforms
have a chance of being passed before lawmakers
complete their six-year term on August 24th. General
elections are due after that.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga came to power in 1994
promising constitutional reforms. Political analysts
say rejection of the reform package will weaken her
position during the general elections.
The ruling coalition, which has a thin majority in the
Sri Lankan parliament, needs the support of the main
opposition United National Party and other mainstream
parties to get the two-thirds majority needed to pass
the reforms.
Last week, the United National Party said it would not
support the reform proposals if they are rushed
through without a full discussion with the Buddhist
clergy.
Tamil rebels, who have been waging a war for a
separate homeland, have rejected the reform package.
The guerrillas say they are not interested in talks
unless they recapture their former stronghold, Jaffna.
(SIGNED)
NEB/VC/RAE
31-Jul-2000 09:17 AM EDT (31-Jul-2000 1317 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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