Hold back land and police powers: Devananda

20 May 2013 03:53 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Minister Douglas Devananda, an advocate of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, yesterday said the delegation of land and police powers to the provincial councils should be held back for the time being when constituting to the Northern Provincial Council (NPC).

In an interview with Daily Mirror, Minister Devananda said there appeared to be dissension in the south over the delegation of such powers to the Provincial Council (PC) and therefore, it should be held back till an understanding between the two major communities - Sinhalese and Tamils - was built up.

“If there is no delegation of such powers when forming the Northern Provincial Council, the Tamil people will be concerned. Likewise, Sinhala people will be concerned if these powers are delegated. Therefore, it is advisable to hold it back for the moment until there is understanding,” he said.

However, the Minister said the constitution of the NPC was his political dream, and he was looking forward to the planned election. Noting that violence, lack of development and denial of political rights battered the Tamil community for long, he said the time was now opportune to conduct this election.

“Today, terrorism has been wiped out. Also, there is fast-tracked development taking place in the north. The two problems are now solved. Yet, there remains the political question. In finding a solution to it, we can begin by implementing what is already in the Constitution. I am not asking for the sun and the moon. I want the implementation of the present Constitution as a start off,” he said.

The EPDP leader called President Mahinda Rajapaksa ‘the father of nation’ for what he termed ‘the decimations of terrorism’ believed by many as an impossible task and bringing development to the Tamil people.

Asked whether he would contest the election to the NPC, he said though the President asked him once not to contest the election, he had felt the need to contest.

“Right in front of India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the SAARC summit held in Male a couple of years ago, this matter was raised. The President asked me not to contest because he did not want to lose a Tamil Minister serving in his Cabinet. Yet, I feel that I should contest. I will discuss the matter with the ruling party,” he said.

Also, the Minister said there was perception among people that he could poll more votes by contesting under the Veena symbol of his EPDP instead of fielding candidates under the betel symbol of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). (KB)

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Comments - 21

puzzled Monday, 20 May 2013 11:33 AM

terrorism has been wiped out?
why is tamil nadu still looking for you?

Danny Tuesday, 21 May 2013 01:25 PM

Ha ha what a joke...

kumar Monday, 20 May 2013 10:28 PM

NEXT CHIEF MINISTER TALKING

Ling Monday, 20 May 2013 06:10 PM

These days I was thinking if Father of nation, D.S. Senanayake did not met in a horse accident during his premiership, the history of Sri Lanka will be very different.There will be no LTTE, no SLFP, no SWARD Bandaranyake, no JR Wijewarden, no useless ministers now, no Ranil, no Rajapakse, the list just go on.

Yuri Monday, 20 May 2013 05:38 PM

When Ltte ruled tamil there were no corruption ... you would not know that..

felix Monday, 20 May 2013 04:10 PM

By the way how come the party name is Eelam People’s Democratic Party. That should be changed immediately as there is no Ealam now.

s.croos Monday, 20 May 2013 04:07 PM

The Racist will never allow the tamils to live in this Island

Saranka Monday, 20 May 2013 02:46 PM

This guys simply a joker. Hold back and then give back .. is it fruit market or what. All these politicians are ruining our countrty

Premalal Monday, 20 May 2013 12:12 PM

Are the politicians clean now?

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 20 May 2013 11:42 AM

In the south yes, in the north no.

MMI-Super Man Monday, 20 May 2013 05:33 AM

The time has come for the people of the North to have a good understanding of the honesty of those who claim to speak on their behalf.

RamUK Monday, 20 May 2013 10:29 AM

how early ...since 1956...

Yuri Monday, 20 May 2013 09:50 AM

Scared to be arrested ?

amara Monday, 20 May 2013 09:37 AM

Politicians will misuse power more power more corruption,why is TNA hungry for more power,you guys supported a militant power till yesterday ,what did you gain..?

david Monday, 20 May 2013 09:23 AM

Police and land powers in the hands of regional governments will mean many corrupt politicians misusing the system.

wick Monday, 20 May 2013 08:51 AM

Provincial Councils are to be totally abolished .The create child abusers and thieves. No use for public.

Madhu Monday, 20 May 2013 08:30 AM

The Minister is talking about the existing reality. His approach would be right. However, the South should take the North into trust as early as possible.

. Amila.G Monday, 20 May 2013 08:03 AM

You are enjoying life to the fullest with the government , What you comment has to be to the advantage of the majority Otherwise you are history .

Mason Monday, 20 May 2013 06:43 AM

Yes, hold back, until you, your cronies and the government can grab all the land you need.

AB Monday, 20 May 2013 05:58 AM

It is a shame on him (DD), that he didn't know who is the "Father Of Nation". To remind his memory the title is held in the ever future is by Hon. D.S Senanayake, which cannot be erased. He is trying to put this title to the present environment for surely & purely for his further wish of the political gain.

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Hold back land and police powers: Devananda

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