“In fact, the UNP did not put any proposals before the Constitutional Assembly because we did not want to counter others’ proposals and we wanted to discuss. We found a lot of similarity of views and we have only a few points that must be discussed.The principles of devolution are now in the Constitutional Assembly reports and I must tell you that we stand by them. We will be developing on them in the future. I was the Chairman of the committee. The problem is how we get the necessary majority. The Government does not have the majority, but I have been able to keep it going for the past four and half years despite problems,” he added.
“We have been supportive of devolution. At the same time, we must look at subsidiary also. It shouldn’t double the expense of the Government. The system must work in a way we don’t add to expenses but to the powers,” he commented. “While the UNP, JVP and TNA are in agreement of abolition of executive presidency, the UPFA is divided on the matter. The electoral system that will give a stable Parliament must be worked out. We need a new Constitution,” he said.
PM opens new ward complex
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe opened the new ward complex of the Chavakachcheri hospital yesterday. State Minister Vijayakala Maheshwaran and TNA MP M.A.Sumanthiran look on