The main opposition United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today asked the government to clearly state its stance on the 13th Amendment.

He also asked whether the Government was rejecting the May 26, 2009 joint statement with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the May 17, 2011 joint statement with the Indian Government where the Sri Lankan Government underlines its commitment to the implementation of the 13th Amendment. Mr. Wickremesinghe said a different tone was being heard today despite the assurances given to the United Nations and to India that power devolution under the 13th Amendment would be systematized and strengthened.

The following is the statement he made in Parliament:

“The UN Secretary General and the Sri Lankan Government issued a joint statement on May 26, 2009 where it was stated that, ‘President Rajapaksa had expressed his firm resolve to proceed with the implementation of the 13th Amendment, as well as to begin a broader dialogue with all parties, including the Tamil parties in the new circumstances, to further enhance this process and to bring about lasting peace and development in Sri Lanka.’

“In a like manner the Sri Lankan Government on many an occasion has stated in writing as well as orally that the devolution of power implemented under the 13th Amendment will be made further strong and systematic. This has been mentioned in the joint statements made not only with UN but with the other parties. The joint statement issued on May 17, 2011 with India states that, ‘The Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka emphasized that it is the resolve of the government to ensure achievement of a speedy and lasting progress in the discussion being held presently between the representatives of the Tamil Parties and the government. The conditions required for such reconciliation will be met by a package of devolution of power based on the 13th Amendment.’

“Despite such statements made on the part of the Government from time to time, we are now hearing a completely different tone. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa who is an officer playing a major role in the Government states that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution should be repealed. The political allies of the Government raise similar voices. JHU making a statement reiterates the same idea. Minister Wimal Weerawansa sending a letter to president asks for a referendum to repeal the 13th Amendment. Dinesh Gunawardene the chief government whip and his MEP ask for a repeal of the 13th Amendment.

“Therefore, it is very clear that this is an organized process. Does this mean that the Government has changed its former stand? Or else, do the officers, allies and Government media beam an anti-Government opinion? The expressing of such contradictory opinions by various sections of the Government will bring disrepute and embarrassment to our country not only locally but also internationally.

“Therefore, I request the Prime Minister to answer the following questions clarifying the Government’s stand on the matter:

1.  Does the Government now reject the joint statement with the UN Secretary General issued on May 26, 2009 and the joint statement with India issued on May 17, 2011.
2. If so, what is the Government’s present stand.”