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A complete reform of the constitution, is essential for a lasting solution to the current problems of the country, Constitutional Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

The reformed constitution, as much as it includes a colourful description of human rights, should also include the necessary modalities for its practical implementation, said the Minister delivering the keynote address at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Schools Education, on the theme 'Ethnic Problem and National Integration'.

This programme was held at the Ministry auditorium at Isurupaya, Battaramulla, with the participation of principals of national and central colleges in the island.

The Minister said that in order to achieve success in the peace process the commitment, efforts, interest of teachers becomes very essential. He said that a teacher, as much as being responsible for moulding a student's character, whilst designing their ideas, opinions, values, is a special person in society.

A teacher holds a responsibility in carrying a message to the society. "The most common question raised today is, if there is no war why isn't the cost of goods low. What most people will not understand is that 70% of expenditure on war goes for salary payments. What will remain are the expenses incurred on the purchase of military equipment. Accordingly, only 30% expenditure could be cut off", Prof. Peiris said.

A programme at political level is necessary for lasting peace. Unlike in England where there is one religion, one race and one cultural background, in Sri Lanka there are people of different religions, races, and cultures, whose identity is important. There are inherent qualities in a human being such as self-esteem, dignity. In this context, all are equally entitled to good education and opportunities. There should not be any difference made to any section of the society. If equality is not ensured our efforts are going to be futile, said the Minister.

As a country India is less than 300 years. There are about 24 languages. If power were centered to New Delhi by now India would have been a country broken up into 5-6 countries. Overcoming all that, India has managed to continue as one country due to the foresignts and vision of the great leaders Jawaharhal Neru and Mahatma Ghandi who developed practical methods of designing political and social institutions to secure the dignity, identity of all Indian people. it is the same in Canada, where a majority of people is Protestant and English speaking. But in Quebec the majority is French speaking, Roman Catholic, and living in dignity and with self-esteem, united due to an internal devolution of power carried out through a successful framework. On a referendum it was confirmed the Quebec people wanted to live in Canada with no divisions required. It was possible to secure its territorial integrity and unity due to this concept.

The highest achievement of the Government is having international attention focused on our country, as never before. Countries are ready to assist in various ways purely due to their confidence placed in the process adopted within the country, with pure intentions, ensuring the dignity of the people. We can be proud of this achievement said the Minister.

Colin Powell had stated at a meeting with the Sri Lankan Ambassador in the USA, that whatever problems that may exist concerning Western Asia and Iraq, the situation in Sri Lanka is commendable and it's a fine example to the world.

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