UNP to seek public views on new constitution

by P. Rajaratnem N- Eliya Cor.

Leader of the opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe, said that the UNP's proposed new Constitution will be discussed at every level to seek the views of the public before its implementation.

He was addressing the Workers' Convention of the Ceylon Worker's Alliance and the Ceylon Democratic Unity Alliance as the Chief Guest at the New Town Hall, Nuwara Eliya.

The opposition Leader said the main issues embodied in the proposed constitution will deal with all types of corruption at every level including the state sector, and the judiciary. The opposition Leader said the new constitution has been designed to eliminate corrupt practices and take the country forward. He said that he need not elaborate on the difficult cost of living of the people including the Estate workers. Wickremesinghe congratulated the Ceylon Workers Alliance and it's Leader S. Sathasivam, who stood firmly and work for the rights and aspiration of the Plantation workers without paying heed to Government and other pressure groups including the rival Trade Unions.

The Deputy Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka (Kandy) A. Nadarajan, the guest of honour outlined the assistance afforded to the plantation workers and the country in general particularly in the field of education, health and housing including the people in the North and the East.

The Indian Government assisted Hospital in Dickoya will be opened before the end of the year.

President of the Union Sathasivam highlighted problems by the plantation workers at present. Delegates from Ratnapura, Badulla, Avissawella, Galle, Kalutara and in Nuwara Eliya areas highlighted the difficulties in the areas.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and several others also spoke.Earlier the opposition leader also met the UNP branch leaders in Nuwara Eliya.

The convention unanimously adopted seven resolutions, such as unproductive tea lands for distribution among the youth, the setting up of separate Bank for plantation workers and better wages for plantation workers and abolishing present collective agreement.