SLMC opposes proposed Bill

The party would not support the new bill presented to the Cabinet.

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), an ally of the government, said yesterday it was opposed to the proposed bill to amend the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

SLMC General Secretary M.T. Hasan Ali told the Daily Mirror that the annual dele- gates’ meeting of his party had adopted resolutions on eight consecutive occasions to push for a power sharing arrangement. Therefore, MP Ali, said his party would not support the new bill presented to the Cabinet.

“This is to repeal the constitutional provision that provides for the base for devolution. It is very important. Now, there are attempts to take away the power already given. We cannot support such an exercise,” he said.

He emphasized that devolution was important not only for the minority communities but also for the majority community.

“Kurunegala and Moneragala are Sinhala speaking areas. Yet, there are slight differences in the interests of people. In Kurunegala, there are mostly coconut cultivators. Yet, we find farmers of other crops in Moneragala. They have to participate in governance. They should be given a chance to look after their interests,” he said.

Kurunegala and Moneragala are Sinhala speaking areas. Yet, there are slight differences in the interests of people. In Kurunegala, there are mostly coconut cultivators. Yet, we find farmers of other crops in Moneragala.