Provincial system ideal basis for devolution - Prelate

Asela Kuruluwansa

The Chief Prelate of the Malwatte Chapter the Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera yesterday called on the Government to initiate a viable political solution to the ethnic conflict while taking steps to eradicate terrorism.

The Thera noted that a political solution based on devolution of power in line with the present Provincial Council system should be introduced as a viable answer to problems faced by the Tamil population. Ven. Sumangala Thera made these comments at a meeting with Minister Karu Jayasuriya, when the latter visited the Thera in Kandy.

Jayasuriya while commending the Thera's stance had assured the Chief Prelate that the UNP(D) group had joined the Government for this very purpose.

The Minister pointed out that there should be a permanent solution to the present conflict in the form of a viable political package.

He added that there should be more Tamil officials in the Government service to cater to the Tamil speaking people and vowed to address the anomaly by recruiting more such officers.

Denouncing political rivalry, Ven. Sumangala Thera had commented that all responsible political parties should get together at this juncture in finding a permanent solution to the country's ills considering the greater good of the nation.

The Minister also met Ven. Galagama Sri Aththadassi Thera.