13A: Party leaders told to submit proposals before 15th August

by Staff Writer 04-08-2023 | 1:32 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Political party leaders have been informed to submit their proposals & suggestions regarding the 13th Amendment to the Constitution on or before August 15th.

This is as per the agreement reached during the all-party conference convened by the President on the 26th of July 2023, said the President's Media Division.

The letter in this regard was directed to the party leaders by the President's Secretary.

The 13th Amendment (13A) was brought in after the India-Sri Lanka agreement of 1987. It created 9 provinces as devolved units, with a temporary merger of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

During an all-party meeting last month, Wickremesinghe said that all powers, except police powers, could be granted to the councils.

However, the main Tamil party — the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) — was adamant about holding the stalled provincial council elections at the talks.

President Wickremesinghe would deliver a speech in Parliament next week when it is reconvened for its regular session.

The President will outline his plan to implement it with all powers that could be granted to provincial councils.