US lauds Lanka's commitment to devolution

Shirley Wijesinghe

Acting Ambassador for United States James Moor said that the US Government commends the decision of the President and the APRC to pursue the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as a first phase in the devolution of power in Sri Lanka.

Addressing a National Conference on Provincial Councils held at the BMICH yesterday the Acting Ambassador said "Sri Lanka's minorities need to know that they can have a role in a united Sri Lanka where they can control many of their own affairs on a regional basis".

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution had been on the statute books for over 20 years. The Government has made a good start by emphasising the importance of the 13th Amendment to devolve power to the provincial councils, particularly to the East.

Moor said that their experience taught them that only a military solution to such conflicts would not achieve the ultimately success. There must be a parallel political strategy to address the underlying factors, circumstances and grievances that have arisen due to the said conflict.

As the President's commitment to devolution suggests, Sri Lanka's long running conflict will not be solved on the battlefield alone.

Moor said that although the US did not send observers to monitor the Eastern poll, the Sri lankan Government should deal positively with the allegations which have been made by opposition parties and certain groups claiming the that it was not free and fair. He wished that the 13th Amendment and further steps would lead to a brighter future for the country.