He made this observation yesterday in Parliament during the debate on the resolution to convert Parliament into a Constitutional Assembly.

He added that the status given to Buddhism in the Constitution will remain,while ensuring the rights of other religions.

"Rumours were spreading across the country claiming that the government is implementing the new constitution under foreign influence. But this is a big lie. President Maithripala Sirisena said that there is no any foreign influence in formulating the new constitution and this will be done understanding the needs of the country", Minister Samarasinghe added.

In drafting the new constitution let us be flexible and take action to make the changes protecting the country's unitary status and paving the way to introduce a new electoral system that will fulfil the aspirations of the people, the Minister further said.