President backs devolving powers to the provinces

President Maithripala Sirisena says he supports devolving powers to the provinces within a united Sri Lanka.

Speaking in Hikkaduwa yesterday the President said that the Government is keen on giving more powers to the provinces through the new Constitution.

He noted that several issues faced by the people can be addressed by strengthening the provincial councils.

The President said that in the modern age, experts always speak of how best powers must be devolved and not just be focused in one area.

He said that if anyone opposes devolving powers that is a sign of how those people have not moved ahead with the changing times.

President Sirisena said that it is important that the Government and the provincial councils reach an understanding on the issues at hand.

He recalled that when he was the Minister of Health he shared the powers which can be shared with provincial Health Ministers.

The President said that some of the Ministers in the then Government questioned his move to share his powers with the provincial Ministers.

However Sirisena said that he stood by his decision by saying what he wants is for the job to be done and not just to hold onto power.