The drafting committee of the Citizens Consultation has invited written views and representations from the public on constitutional safeguards and legislative provisions which would ensure free and fair elections.

They have also asked for opinions from a broad cross section of people on the possibility of depoliticising key institutions through the establishment of an independent elections commission, a public service commission and a police service commission.

A statement issued by the Consultation on Free and Fair Elections and Depoliticisation of Key Institutions says that representations on the composition, structure, method of appointment, powers and function, etc., of the proposed independent commissions would be welcome.

Calling it a "matter of great national importance", the organisation has noted that views and representations from political parties, trade unions, NGOs and peoples' organisations would be particularly desirable.

The drafting committee is to finalise its report by mid November while the Plenary Committee intends placing it before the Citizens Consultation for ratification in the latter part of November. The terms of reference of the committee are to invite and consider written representations on the issues mentioned and to formulate on the basis of representations received the text of draft, constitutional and other provisions relating to these issues.

The members of the drafting committee of the Citizens Consultation are: K. H. J. Wijayadasa (convenor), Bradman Weerakoon, D. M. Swaminathan, Monica Ruwanpathirane, D. S. S. Mayadunne, A. L. M. Thangavel, W. D. Ailapperuma, Father Oswald Firth, A. L. M. Hashim, Janakie Gunawardena, Air Commodore Harry Gunatilleke, Austin Fernando, Melvyn Wijesekera, Shibbly Azeez, Ana Sene-viratne, Elmore Perera, Swarna Obeysekera and Kingsley Rodrigo. Representations should be addressed to the Convenor of the Drafting Committee on Free and Fair Elections, P. O. Box No. 601, Colombo. They must be posted to reach this address on or before November 20, 1998.