Discuss devolution at length, says PSC chairman

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said devolving police and land powers is a broad topic which has to be discussed at length.

Some may argue that devolution is good while others may oppose it. Even some constituent partners of the Government are taking one extreme view while other parties are taking a different approach on this issue. Nevertheless, the SLFP remains neutral, the Minister told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

The Minister who is also the PSC Chairman said, “We have to consider the fact that since Sri Lanka is a small country, whether it needs seven or eight Provincial Police forces. Is that practical? If this is so Chief Ministers will become more powerful with regard to law enforcement in their areas and this may lead them to abuse their powers.

“This is a matter which the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC )will have to decide on whether we are in favour of devolution of police and land powers.

If so, to what extent. Else, should we repeal the whole thing? I can’t comment on it because it must be decided on collectively by the PSC,” the Minister said.

Minister de Silva said to implement devolution and amend the Constitution, consensus has to be reached among all political parties.

That is why the Government had decided to appoint the PSC. Without reaching consensus, we can’t pass this legislation. We should hold wide discussions on this issue.

The Government is now embarking on it with its constituent partners, he said.

The Government hopes the main Opposition UNP would participate in the PSC deliberations so that there could be broad discussions on the issues and reach consensus.

The Government wants to make them a part of the PSC, the Minister said.