SJB calls out SLPP over divided stance on 13A

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake 

• Highlights differing views of SLPP General Secretary and Chief Govt. Whip over 13A 
• Says it is unfortunate the ruling party is unable to arrive at a consensus on the matter
• Expresses SJB’s continued support for implementation of 13A following a poll 
• SLPP to inform President of its disagreement to implementing 13A at this juncture citing economic reasons 

The main Opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday called out the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) for its divided stance on the 13th amendment (13A) to the constitution. 

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake noted that the leader of the SLPP, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa once proposed and was favourable to granting powers above 13A. “He was a proponent of 13+,” the MP noted. 

The MP noted that however, the General Secretary of the party has now announced they are not favourable to implementing 13A at this juncture. “But SLPP’s Prasanna Ranatunge claims they are willing to implement 13A. It is unfortunate the party has no consensus on the matter,” the MP said. 

Dissanayake said his father the late Gamini Dissanayake was also part of discussions on the 13A, way back in 1989 and it is unfortunate devolution is still at the discussion stage today. 

The MP stated that his party fully supports the implementation of 13A, but this support is contingent on holding the scheduled elections first.

“Local Government polls must be held. Thereafter representatives must work together to fix any shortcomings in 13A. The SJB will support its implementation,” he said. 

Dissanayake said instead the Government is delaying elections and attempting to discuss 13A with MPs instead. 

Over the weekend, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam speaking to the media opined the party deems the implementation of the 13A unsuitable at this particular juncture.

He said the SLPP’s stance will be formally communicated to the Government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday. It is reported that this decision has garnered support from the SLPP faction aligned with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

According to Kariyawasam, the decision has been reached based on the belief that the country might face undue pressure if the Government attempts to enhance 13A while dealing with the economic crisis. The party has suggested that such an expansion could be considered once the Government attains a stronger economic position.