Devolution of power:

Minister Devananda proposes four point action plan

Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda has submitted a Cabinet paper for maximum devolution of powers through the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

He says certain Executive and Legislative actions are necessary for this purpose.

Therefore he proposes several administrative arrangements such as entrusting the Provincial Councils with subjects and functions enlisted in the concurrent list and the provision of adequate funds to facilitate effective functioning of Provincial Councils.

His second proposal is to bring necessary legislative enactments for the full implementation of the Official Language Provisions in the Constitution.

He also seeks to grant more powers to the Provincial Councils through constitutional amendments.

His last proposal is to hold elections to the Northern Provincial Council no sooner the area if fully cleared from the clutches of the LTTE.

He also proposes to redress disadvantages faced by the Sinhala communities in the North and the East.