When the cabinet met yesterday, the Development (Special Provisions) Bill was taken for discussion. Minister Dayasri Jeyasekara said, that the previous regime was destroyed by appointing Basil Rajapaksha as a special Economic Development Minister with super powers vested in him. There is provisions to appoint such a Minister under this bill. UNP Ministers said, that in order to accelerate the development works in the country, this bill is absolutely essential. In response, the SLFP Ministers said , that they are in agreement with the bill except accepting appointment of a special Minister with super powers vested in him.
After listening observations made by both parties the President said, that this bill should not take the powers of Provincial Councils , not to take any functions of other Ministries or Departments and the powers now vested with them.