Sri Lanka ready to implement PSC recommendations – Govt. Spokesman

Government Spokesman and Minister of Media & Information Keheliya Rambukwella said that though the government has concerns with regard to giving absolute police and land power to the North East Provinces, it is ready to implement the recommendations of the intended Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on National Issues.

He said that the government has already appointed the PSC to find the lasting solutions to national issues.  Tamil National Alliance has said to have expressed its willingness to continue the talks with the government.  While the government welcomes this move it expects the TNA to actively take part in the process of PSC in order to find a solution expeditiously.

He further said that talks with the TNA continue and the Lessons Learnt Reconciliation Commission has released its recommendations which have to be considered appropriately.  With regard to Police and land powers the Minister said that a compromise can be reached on the extent of land and police powers that could be devolved.

“For that the TNA should genuinely take part in the discussion and put forward its proposal on scope of police and land powers to be devolved to provinces” said the Minister.

PSC will be the appropriate forum to discuss and arrive at a decision to implement solutions for national issues,  as it will be represented by all parties inclusive of minority parties in Parliament.  We expect that we could reach a consensus at that Forum.  That is why President Mahinda Rajapaksa who defeated the 30 year old war has appointed the PSC