Mahanayakas oppose implementation of 13A

Friday, 3 February 2023 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Claims implementing constitutional amendment would challenge unitary nature of SL
Warns devolution of powers would pave way for separatism
Says it would also lead to collapse of autonomy of central Govt. causing public displeasure

The Mahanayaka Theras handing over a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday opposed the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution claiming it would challenge the unitary nature of Sri Lanka.

The letter signed by the four chief prelates of the main Buddhist sects said the President’s assurance to fully implement the 13A has now caused confusion among the populace. According to the Theras, granting Provincial Councils land and police powers among others would pave the way for the re-emergence of separatism in the country.

In the letter, the Mahanayaka Theras also reminded Wickremesinghe that his predecessors did not go ahead with the 13A as they understood its possible harms and the uncertainty it may cause in society.

“The attempt by the Executive President, who is bound by the responsibility of protecting the sovereignty of the people to implement a constitutional amendment that can lead to the collapse of the autonomy of the central government would cause strong public displeasure,” they said, adding that the leadership must reject proposals that may harm the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country despite pressures to agree to certain conditions to obtain the support of the international community in light of the economic crisis.

Stressing that the Government must take steps to develop the war-torn North and East, the Theras said the Cabinet Ministers from the region have ample possibilities to work towards that end. The letter notes that the 13A would lead to serious issues concerning the country’s independence, territorial integrity and national security, thus urging the President to refrain from implementing it in its entirety.

Just two weeks ago addressing the national Thai Pongal festival, President Wickremesinghe announced the Government’s intention to fully implement the 13A and said it is needed to ensure national unity.

Visiting Sri Lanka last month, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also stressed that the full implementation of the 13A is critical for achieving reconciliation in the country.

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