Crucial measures abandoned in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government is reported to have abandoned efforts to pass a constitutional reform bill which it says is aimed at ending the long-running Tamil separatist conflict.

Reports from the capital, Colombo, say the measure lacked the necessary parliamentary support.

News of the development came as thousands of police and troops ringed the Sri Lankan parliament on the second day of a crucial debate.

Helicopters were used to airlift members of parliament inside to avoid protestors -- including Buddhist monks -- who gathered to demonstrate against the draft bill.

The government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga has been trying to push through measures which would lead to a de facto federal system of government.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service