APRC discusses possible arrangements of power devolution

Rajmi Manatunga

COLOMBO: The All Party Representative Committee (APRC) set up to formulate a political solution for the ethnic conflict has commenced discussions on possible arrangements of power devolution.

APRC Chairman Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana said the Committee which met on Tuesday wound up their deliberations on the stake holders and their issues which constituted the first stage of its agenda. "During this week's meeting, we were able to move on to issues of power sharing based on need and capacity.

All members who represent different political parties were able to engage in a mutual exchange of ideas in a very good atmosphere," he said.

The Committee is expected to continue discussions on power devolution at its next meeting scheduled for next week.

The matters to be taken up under the general theme of devolution would include the degree of power sharing and the relationship between the centre and the peripheries. "At the beginning of the last meeting the Committee also observed a minutes silence and moved a vote of condolence in memory of slain Peace Secretariat Deputy Head Ketesh Loganathan who made a valuable contribution to the APRC as its secretary," Prof. Vitharana said.