1.   Tuesday morning, a protest against the proposed new constitution by hundreds Sinhalese nationalists and Buddhist monks turned into a victory celebration.

2.   Proposals to grant regional autonomy have been opposed by Sinhalese nationalists, who worry that such plans will lead to dismemberment of the country.

3.   Buddhist clergy and Sinhalese nationalists also opposed it.

4.   Buddhist clergy and Sinhalese nationalists opposed it.

5.   Four senior ministers resigned Thursday, refusing to be part of an administration backed by the PLF, which is made up of Marxists and Sinhalese nationalists.

6.   Four senior ministers resigned Thursday, refusing to be part of an administration backed by the PLF which is made up of Marxists and Sinhalese nationalists.

7.   Her ruling party has endorsed the idea, but faces strong opposition from both Sinhalese nationalists who say the president is going too far and Tamils who want more.

8.   The relic is an important symbol to Sinhalese nationalists.

9.   Traditionally, the Buddhist clergy has been Sinhalese nationalist.