In Sri Lanka, parliament leader of opposition R Sampanthan has stressed the need to enshrine secularism in the new constitution being framed in the country. Addressing a programme organized by Indian consulate in Jaffna yesterday, the Tamil leader said, Sri Lanka's existing constitution has given Buddhism foremost place in the country, thus undermining secularism. He regretted that the existing constitution has failed to give due place for secularism. <br/><br/>The programme was organized as part of Mother Teresa memorial lecture, which was delivered by former Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla. Minority groups in Sri Lanka have been demanding secular status and equality among religions in the country but hardcore Buddhists are opposed to any move to change the status quo.