The second round of discussions on efforts toward drafting a new constitution, organized by the Tamil Lawyers’ Forum, was held in Colombo on April 9, with the participation of Members of Parliament and representatives of Tamil political parties representing the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
During the discussions, the parties unanimously agreed on the fundamental principles for a new constitutional framework aimed at addressing the political aspirations of the Tamil people.
A decision was also taken to use these agreed principles as the basis for drafting a political solution proposal to the Tamil national question.
Although various political parties and institutions have previously submitted proposals and recommendations regarding a solution to the Tamil national issue, it was unanimously agreed to prepare a framework acceptable to all Tamil nationalist parties. This framework would be jointly presented by the Tamil nationalist parties on behalf of the Tamil people should the Government of Sri Lanka initiate discussions on a new constitutional arrangement.
Accordingly, a drafting committee comprising representatives of Tamil nationalist parties and an expert panel has been established to formulate a detailed political solution proposal based on these foundational principles.
Senior Attorneys Ranitha Gnanaraj and Mariyathas Jude Dinesh have been appointed as coordinators on behalf of the Tamil Lawyers’ Forum.
The expert panel includes President’s Counsel Dr. K. Kanaga Eshwaran, Professor M. Sornarajah, Professor N. Selvakumaaran, Professor V.T. Tamilmaran, Senior Lecturer N. Sivakumar, and Dr. K. Guruparan.
It was further decided that each Tamil nationalist political party participating in the discussions will nominate one representative to serve on the expert panel.