An Interim Power Sharing Arrangement acceptable to all communities within an indivisible SriLanka under which the Province could exercise wide powers!

RANIL:INTERIM POWER SHARING ACCEPTABLE

With powers to exercise own socio economic development

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (1) called for an interim power sharing arrangement acceptable to all communities within an indivisible Sri Lanka under which the Province could exercise powers over a wide array of subjects necessary for its socio-economic development including adequate financial and fiscal powers.

Mr. Wickremesinghe in a statement called for the full implementation of the Constitution until the new Parliament enacts a new Constitution acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka. He stressed the need for all communities to participate fully in the life of the nation be it at the Centre, Provincial or Local Authority level thereby encouraging the Provinces and the communities which inhabit them to become constructive partners in a stable and pluralistic democracy. Promote equality of treatment

“The Military defeat of the LTTE has brought an end to the armed struggle. To ensure that terrorism will not lift its head again in this country we have to find solutions to the political, economic and social problems of the Tamil speaking people some steps have to be implemented,” he said. He therefore called for promoting a Sri Lankan identity where all communities can live in safety and their dignity is valued, all communities have the space to express and promote their distinct identity including the right to enjoy their own culture, practice their own religion, and protect and promote their own language. “All citizens have the right to fully and effectively exercise their right to all the fundamental freedoms in the constitution without any distinction and in full equality before the law, “he added.

He also stressed the need to ensure that all Sri Lankan have the right to transact business with the state in the language of their choice. “Whilst giving foremost place to Buddhism, all persons should be able to practice their religion freely and without any hindrance and we should make sure that no community or religion will be conferred a privilege not conferred on other communities or religions and that no liability is imposed on any community or religion that is not imposed on any other religions or communities,” he added.

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