கிழக்கு மாகாண சபையை கலைப்பதாக ஜனாதிபதி தீர்மானம்

At a meeting held today at Temple Trees, President Rajapaksa wanted his close political advisors to consider dissolving the Eastern Provincial Council, the Colombo Telegraph learns.

At a closed door meeting, the President has expressed his displeasure over a possible resolution of the Eastern Provincial Council opposing the Government’s move to dilute the 13th Amendment. It was pointed out that the Government in that event could get only 13 votes (i.e. Athaulla group-3, Badurdeen group-3 and SLFP-3), while those who support the 13th Amendment could get  24 votes (TNA-11, Muslim Congress-7, UNP 4 and Pilliyan-2).

 Last week, at a meeting held at Main Street, Kalmunai, MinisterHakeem expressed disappointment over the Government’s move and stated that “the Government has appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) without the SLMC, which is the strongest and most represented Muslim party and as such, any decision taken by such a PSC will be thrown to the dustbin”.

The President has indicated that criticism is mounting in the East against the move to amend the 13th Amendment and before the Eastern Provincial Council passes a resolution, the Council should be dissolved and the Government must take over the administration of the Province.