‘Eastern PC worked for socio-economic uplift’

Former Health Minister of the Eastern Provincial Council M.S. Subair refuted TNA and SLMC statements that the provincial administration functioned as a puppet under the UPFA Government Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan and all Ministers worked independently and took collective decisions on a provincial level for the benefit of the local communities, Subair who represents the All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) said.

One good example of the administration’s independence is its rejection of the Town and Country Act that came before the Council for its endorsement. The Central Government cannot pass any legislation without the consent of the provincial administrations on any matters involving the provincial administration, Subair said.

The PC is a viable unit of devolution, capable of functioning independently and generating funds for implementing programs and projects for the economic and social uplift of the local communities. Several far-reaching mega development projects have already been launched by the provincial administration and many more similar projects are in the pipeline, Subair said.

-PK