Constitution of Sri Lanka
Preamble
Whereas it is the will of the people of Sri Lanka to establish and
strengthen an order -
Wherein the sovereignty of the people is assured and the exercise of
authority by their freely chosen representatives is in the nature of a
sacred trust;
Wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, humanity, tolerance and
equal opportunity shall be fully observed;
Wherein the dignity of the individual shall be upheld through the
guaranteeing of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of
law;
Wherein the territories constituting the nation shall form one
indissoluble union, the units whereof will be characterised by such
boundaries and limitations on their powers and authority as may be
prescribed; **
Wherein the territorial integrity, independence and unity of the nation
including its sovereign rights over land, sea and air shall be
safeguarded;
Wherein peace and fraternity among all communities shall be secured and
provision made enabling all communities to enjoy and nurture their
distinct culture, practice and profess their own religion and promote
their own language, thus preserving the rich cultural and ethnic
diversity characteristic of a plural society:
Now, therefore, we the people of Sri Lanka having solemnly resolved to
constitute Sri Lanka into a free, sovereign, united and independent
Republic:**
Cognisant of the sacrifices made by the people in the cause of
sustaining the unity and sovereignty of the republic;
Mindful of our obligations to succeeding generations of Sri Lankans and
the International Community;
Inspired by the vision of a Sri Lankan nation where all communities
co-exist in equality, safety and contentment;
Conscious of the desire to achieve rapid, sustained and equitable
development so that the people of Sri Lanka may prosper and attain their
rightful place among the community of nations:
Do, on this (DAY) acting through our freely chosen representatives
constituting the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka established by us, hereby
adopt, enact and give to ourselves**
This CONSTITUTION as the SUPREME LAW of the REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA
** to be finalised.