A special discussion on the division of police powers under the 13th Amendment was held on Wednesday, (9) at the Public Security Ministry between the Minister Tiran Alles and a delegation from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). Public Security Minister Tiran Alles inquired on the rationale behind requesting Police powers from the TNA group. In response, TNA members explained the necessity of decentralisation by taking the example of other countries in the world and discussed the problems faced by the Tamils. The Minister explained the possibility of solving those problems without dividing the Police powers.
The Tamil Alliance MPs pointed to the successful models of power distribution in developed nations such as England and India, proposing their adaptation in Sri Lanka. In response, Minister Alles underscored the contrasting political and social contexts between England and Sri Lanka.
The Minister of Public Security questioned the need of the Tamil people and Tamil political leaders to implement the Thirteenth Amendment to which the Tamil National Alliance delegates responded stating that the amendment was necessary to alleviate the burden of travelling long distances to Colombo for implementing decisions made by district committees. Concerns were also raised regarding the efficacy of some governors in implementing decisions.
TNA delegates stressed that the proposed Police power allocation contained no ground-breaking factors but advocated for the establishment of a Provincial Police Commission alongside the existing National Police Commission.
TNA MPs said that the trend of drugs and crime has increased throughout the Northern region and many young children are heavily addicted to drugs. Minister Alles assured that the information available on such matters will be given to the special Police committee appointed for drug and underworld organisations at any time and the confidentiality of such information will be protected.
The Minister said that the relevant special Police committee has been implemented under the chairmanship of SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon and that relevant information can be discussed with the DIG at any time.
Participants in this discussion included Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka, Inspector General C.D. Wickramaratne and Western Province SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. Tamil National Alliance was represented by MPs M.A. Sumanthiran, Shanakkayan Rasamanikkam, Dharmalingam Siddharthan, Charles Nirmalanathan and Selvam Adekkalanathan. Both sides agreed to hold the next discussion in a fortnight as requested by the members of the Tamil National Alliance.
Varuna Dayaratne
