Chief Ministers Not Ready to Accept Reduction of PC Powers

Western Province Chief Minister, Isura Devapriya said, that he proposed to participate in the discussion with the Prime Minister today (23^rd). He further said, that Chief Ministers are not prepared to accept reduction of provincial council powers given in 13^th constitutional amendment.  

Once upon a time Chief Ministers enjoyed the powers of a “Super Minister”. Now it is not there. However, we are not in agreement to reduce the powers of the Provincial Council.  Although we are in the National Government we have our SLFP identity and continue to safeguard the Party. Our target is to achieve victory in Local Government, Provincial Council and Parliamentary elections. No one can call current government as UNP government or SLFP government. In forth coming election in June many tried to conduct the election on proportional representative basis. But the SLFP did not accept it. Even the President determined to conduct all future elections according to the new system.

No land is given to Chinese in Hambantota. Even the port was not privatised. No secret deals or agreement was signed by this government. The government is not prepared to sell or give lands to any one, he concluded.