Storm over Sri Lanka plan

Protesters chanted anti-government slogans

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has presented a new draft constitution in parliament amid widespread protests.

The proposal aims to give autonomy to the minority Tamil population and bring an end to 17 years of civil war.

Down with Chandrika's bill... Chandrika is dividing the country

Anti-government protesters

But the opposition United National Party, which accuses the president of rushing the plan through, has said it will vote against the new constitution when it is debated next week.

The government has been trying to muster support among the smaller parties to get the necessary two thirds majority.

Protesters chanted slogans as the president travelled by helicopter to parliament, which is located on a man-made island.

Protests

Thousands of Buddhist monks and left-wing activists staged a sit-in protest, as anti-riot police were placed on standby.

"Down with Chandrika's bill...Chandrika is dividing the country," the protesters shouted.

Devolution plan

Federal powers for provinces

More power to president

Must get two-thirds majority

Opposed by many Buddhist clerics

Rejected by Tamil Tigers

Inside parliament, opposition MPs booed the president, drowning out most of her speech.

Opposition leader and UNP president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, walked out in protest and one party backbencher set fire to his order papers.

The president said the new constitution would enable Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other minorities to live together peacefully.

She appealed to MPs to vote in favour of the proposals from their heart, disregarding party lines.

Buddhist monks have opposed the plan

"The constitution, once certified by this house, will be officially sent to the LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]," Ms Kumaratunga said.

If parliament approves the new constitution, it will be one of its last acts before fresh parliamentary elections are due after 24 August.

The president is keen on seeing her plan through, which could place her in a strong position in those elections.

The BBC's Alastair Lawson, who is in Colombo, says a vote is expected towards the end of next week.

Tamil Tiger separatists have also indicated that they oppose the proposed constitution because, they say, it offers nothing of substance.

More than 60,000 people have died in the conflict between the government and the Tigers.