haʊˈɛvɚ, ðɪ ɐmˈɛndmənt ʌv sˈɜːʔn̩ bˈeɪsɪk fˈiːtʃɚz sˈʌtʃ ɐz ðə klˈɔːzᵻz ˌɔn lˈæŋɡwɪdʒ, ɹᵻlˈɪdʒən, ænd ɹˈɛfɹəns tə sɹˌiː lˈæŋkə æz ɐ jˈuːnɪtˌɛɹi stˈeɪt ɹᵻkwˈaɪɚ bˈoʊθ ɐ tˈuːθˈɜːdz mədʒˈɔːɹᵻɾi ænd ɐpɹˈuːvəl æɾə nˈeɪʃənwˌaɪd ɹˌɛfɚɹˈɛndəm.
However, the amendment of certain basic features such as the clauses on language, religion, and reference to Sri Lanka as a unitary state require both a two-thirds majority and approval at a nationwide referendum.