The three mahanayake theras yesterday stated that a new constitution was unnecessary for Sri Lanka.

This was the first time the three Mahanayakes - the most sacred religious leaders of the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka - made an explicit statement against constitutional reforms.

issuing a joint statement in Kandy yesterday, the Mahanayakes said the formulation of a new constitution would create more 'conflicts' in the country.

However, they stressed the need for immediate electoral reforms, saying that the current electoral system has made a negative impact on the country.

They requested the government to amend the current constitution, making way for electoral reforms.

Mahanayake of Asgiriya chapter Most Ven Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera, , Mahanayake of Ramannya Maha Nikaya Most Ven Napane Pramasiri Thera, Mahanayake of Amarapura Maha Nikaya and Chief incumbent of Dharmapalaramaya, Mount Lavinia Most Ven Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera, Anunayake Thera of Malwathu Asgiriya chapters were present