Thirteenth amendment won't harm SL - minister

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The devolution of power under the 13th Amendment is aimed at preventing a disintegration of the country. Several parties who have no correct understanding about the 13th Amendment are expressing fear over this. But there is nothing to be afraid since it is just power devolution, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister pointed out that the full implementation of the 13th amendment will help chief ministers in the provinces to provide a better service to the public in their areas.

Minister Senaratne was addressing the opening ceremony of the 106th Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) fish stall in Anuradhapura, recently.

The CFC had spent over Rs.1.5 million on each CFC fish stall and they are to establish 250 fish stalls islandwide at the end of this year.

According to Minister Senaratne, chief ministers and Provincial Council ministers should have more power and power devolution would help build trust among communities and prevent separatism.

Those who oppose the 13th Amendment have not properly understood the amendment, the minister stated.