Big pro-government demo in Colombo

It is hoped the reforms will end the long-running conflict

By Alastair Lawson in Colombo

Thousands of pro-government demonstrators brought the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, to a halt on Tuesday in support of efforts by President Chandrika Kumaratunga to implement a constitutional settlement which they say could end the country's 17-year old civil war.

President Kumaratunga: Seeking parliamentary approval

President Kumaratunga will be submitting the new constitution to parliament on Thursday, where she needs a two-thirds majority if it is to be accepted.

These supporters of the Sri Lankan Government know that Thursday's parliamentary vote is going to be close, but they argue that President Kumaratunga's constitutional reforms offer Sri Lanka its best hope of peace.

Around 60,000 people have died during the civil war.

Peaceful protest

Many of the demonstrators were trade unionists who had been specially brought in by the government from outside Colombo to take part in the protest.

They carried posters in English and Sinhala in support of the ruling People's Alliance.

The protest remained peaceful, although traffic nearby was brought to a halt, leading to large tailbacks all over central Colombo.

The demonstration was in part a reply by the government's supporters to equally large rallies that were held by the opposition United National Party in the capital throughout July.

It also reflected the government's desire to attract as much public support as possible before the draft constitution is submitted to parliament later this week.

President Kumaratunga knows that she cannot rely on the support of the UNP when her package is presented to parliament.

Criticism

They have criticised her for trying to rush the reforms and have accused her of not carrying out enough consultation with the Sri Lankan people.

However, sources close to the president say she is confident she can win the vote with the support of the Tamil parliamentary parties and defectors from the UNP.

The key part of the new constitution is the proposal to give more autonomy to the provinces of Sri Lanka.

It allows for the formation of an interim council in the north and east of the country, which is the area demanded by the Tamil Tigers as their homeland.