Canadian FM shows interest in constitutional reforms - NP Governor

Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion who was in the Northern Province during an official visit showed keen interest in constitutional reforms, as being integral and inclusive of the post-war reconciliation framework, Governor of the Northern Province Reginald Cooray told the Sunday Observer.

“I told the Minister that we need not worry about the concepts of federalism or unitary state, since the sole inclusivity of either tends to stoke controversy and a backlash, instead we agreed that Sri Lanka requires a homegrown constitution, one which would be a unique Sri Lankan model,” he said adding the visiting foreign Minister seemed in agreement with the prospect of such a framework.

The Governor however said that much of the discussion was on resettlement, where it was announced that since the government took over, 2500 acres of land have been released thus far.

“We have taken 62 acres from the Cement Corporation which is to be distributed in shares of 20 perches per family for landless people who are currently living in camps and shelters,” he said. “Their houses would be built by the Army within the next two months, with funding from the Ministry of Reforms, Resettlement and Rehabilitation.”

He added that 28 acres close to the Palalay airport with an additional 350 acres close to Elephant Pass will also be distributed equally to those who have been internally displaced due to the conflict. He added that the issue was with IDPs in Jaffna where there isn’t enough land to settle 12 000 people. “We are working on it and will try our best to accommodate them.”

He also added that it was agreed in the meeting that language barriers was a concern while the Canadian government has agreed to fund a skills development program to teach both Sinhala and Tamil.

(RR)