No decision to abrogate 13 A: Government

While stressing that the government had not decided to abrogate the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, government spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday blamed the TNA for not coming for talks with the government.

Minister Rambukwella told the weekly news briefing that if the Government – TNA talks collapsed under any circumstances the TNA must take the responsibility for jeopardizing the process to find a solution to the North-East issue.

“The government has provided every opportunity to the TNA to resume talks. Unfortunately, the TNA has not grabbed the opportunity” Minister Rambukwella said.

Commenting on the agitation by certain sections of the government to abrogate the 13th Amendment to the constitution and thereby the Provincial Councils (PC), Minister

Even in India, politicians like Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu make many demands to New Delhi but the central government handles them in the most appropriate and discreet manner

Rambukwella said as a democratic alliance, the UPFA constituent parties could make various statements on various issues at different times. “Even in India, politicians like Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu make many demands to New Delhi but the central government handles them in the most appropriate and discreet manner,” he said.

“The government has not taken any decision on the abrogation of the 13th Amendment. The government would consider those suggestions if they are taken up at the Parliamentary Group or at the cabinet meetings. The position of the government right now is that the 13th Amendment is a part of the Constitution and the government is committed to abide by it,” Minister Rambukwella stressed.

Responding to a journalist, Minister Rambukwella said Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa had allegedly commented on the 13th Amendment to highlight some drawbacks in the development process as Secretary of the Urban Development but not as Defence Secretary.

Elaborating on the demands to go beyond the 13th Amendment to the Constitution by liberals of the government and the TNA, Minister Rambukwella said the government’s willingness to create an upper chamber means 13+. However, Minister Rambukwella maintained that there were certain grey

The government would consider those suggestions if they are taken up at the Parliamentary Group or at the cabinet meetings

areas in the 13th Amendment that did not help the speedier development and for the reconciliation process.

“The upper chamber makes way for a bigger representation by minority parties of their people. The best forum to discuss solutions and come to consensus by all stake holders is Parliament. That is why the government urges the TNA to come to the negotiation table and nominate members to the PSC,” he emphasized.