Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe stated that the new constitution will definitely be introduced and passed within this year.

Speaking at a commemoration event for former Health Minister Dr. Ranjith Atapattu yesterday in Beliatta, Rajapakshe said both the UNP and the SLFP have agreed to change the constitution.

Even former President Mahinda Rajapaksa pledged to change the constitution in 2005, Rajapakshe pointed out.

Rajapakshe insisted the new constitution will not be subject to foreign influences. Only someone who does not want to see democracy being established in the country can oppose this move, he added.