News In Brief

Clergy, opposition parties oppose government proposals

Sri Lanka's influential Buddhist clergy joined the major opposition parties Saturday in opposing government proposals for a political solution to the island nation's communal violence.

President Junius Jayewardene presented the amity proposals last week to a committee representing all political, language, and religious groups, and offered on Friday to put them to a national vote. If approved, the proposals would give more authority and autonomy to local and regional governments.