Govt. 'minorities' also call for repeal of 13A powers

11 June 2013 04:12 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Minister Faiszer Musthapha and SLFP Batticaloa District organiser Arun Thamabimutthu asserted that the Provincial Council system was a ‘white elephant’ and called for the repealing of the land and police powers enshrined in the Constitution if the government were to proceed with the Northern Provincial Council elections.

“The TNA is still espousing a separatist line and therefore it is dangerous to go ahead with the elections with land and police powers enshrined in the 13th amendment intact. The Provincial Councils do not need land and police powers” they said.

Speaking further Mr. Faizer Musthapha, reading from the Constitution, said that the police power, if granted to the provincial councils, would interfere with the independence of the police.

However, when it was pointed out by journalists that the independence of the police was already compromised and that the minister had supported the enactment of the 18th Amendment, the minister said that everyone was entitled to his opinion.

“Yes I raised my hand for the 18th Amendment and I don’t think it (18A)impedes the independence of the police. I’m entitled to my view and that is my view” he said.

Speaking during a heated conference, Arun Thambimutthu took great pains to explain the drawbacks of the police and land powers being enshrined in the Constitution, but failed to give a coherent answer regarding the democratic right of the citizens of the Northern Province, to elect their representatives.

“It is the TNA that has espoused communalism and, therefore, it is dangerous,” he said failing to respond to the query regarding as to the democratic right of the people of the area to decide whom to elect rather than the centre decide for them.

Mr. Faizer Musthapha responded instead, asserting that it was easy to mislead a public that “hadn’t seen the world”.

However, during the press conference it was reiterated that the duo were representing the “other voice” of the minorities, “in order to tell the country that we have to think on national lines devoid of boundaries”. (Hafeel Farisz)

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Comments - 13

wasanthi Tuesday, 11 June 2013 04:19 PM

Repeal PCS totally. It is wastage of time and money..

Nishan Tuesday, 11 June 2013 12:00 AM

Yes Mr Mustapha. It is easy to mislead the public. That is what you all are doing. But, you thank that only you are entitled to mislead, not others? Is the public to decide what they want. You are not the authority to decide on citizens' rights in a democracy via DM Android App

Ela Malli Tuesday, 11 June 2013 07:28 PM

You , wimal, keheliya and all the jumpers from UNP - are not politicians..more like prostitutes - will say or do anything for money

Shehan Wednesday, 12 June 2013 12:00 AM

These folks are not the sole representative of minority. Ministers like, Rauf Hakeem, Rishad, Athaullah and many other Gov Ministers are againt it. via DM Android App

Fayad Wednesday, 12 June 2013 04:48 AM

Do this two represent the entire minority

Bala Sankar Wednesday, 12 June 2013 04:49 AM

Sri Lanka is not a small nation like Singapore. Authority and responsibility need to be delegated to the provincial level government system. One president cannot run such a big nation. Military dictatorship is the best alternative for ineffective democracy.

SAM_SPARROW Wednesday, 12 June 2013 04:51 AM

white elephant? May be green elephant can do something better I guess.

mohan Wednesday, 12 June 2013 05:00 AM

IDEA WAS TO DEVOLVE POWER - NOW THE WHOLE PURPOSE IS LOST - better give the provincial councillors
portfolios in a Village Death Donation Society. It is also
a miracle of Asia

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 12 June 2013 05:03 AM

Centralization or De-centralization of political power also may depend on the size of the country.

mercy Wednesday, 12 June 2013 11:33 AM

The two minority mouthpiece of the sinhalese

mercy Wednesday, 12 June 2013 11:33 AM

Actually Faizer Mustapha is a dead minority member

Abdul Rahman Wednesday, 12 June 2013 12:24 PM

What a big joke. I am a minority we need 13th amendment. Each province should be ruled by own people and not by outsiders.

kumar Thursday, 13 June 2013 06:46 AM

Exactly!

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Govt. 'minorities' also call for repeal of 13A powers

Comments - 13

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