13th amendment not final solution: Northern CM
After having spent a couple of hours and attending three events with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northern Province Chief Minister and Tamil leader C V Wigneswaran on Saturday made a strong case for replacing the 13th Amendment with a “more dynamic system” of devolution of powers.
“The 13th amendment (to the Sri Lankan Constitution) cannot be a final solution,” he said, noting that Modi himself is a proponent of devolution of powers and cooperative federalism.
He also said that Modi is an “excellent administrator” and transformed Gujarat. “That was possible because of the quantum and content of devolution,” he said.
He added that Modi will understand how hollow and inadequate the 13th Amendment is and expressed hope that the Tamils will get a “permanent solution” during Modi’s tenure.
Seeking an action plan to resolve all the problems in the country’s northern and eastern provinces, Wigneswaran said there is a need for creation of “innovative and creative” measure for greater devolution of powers in Sri Lanka. He also said there is need for services of a guarantor on the issue of devolution of powers, adding that India is “best suited” for this role.
“Nothing can be more reassuring than India playing the role of an elder brother, since it is a large country with a vibrant democracy,” he said.
On Modi’s advice to Tamil National Alliance leaders that they should be patient with the new Sri Lankan government, he said, “While patience is necessary, the Sri Lankan government rarely caters to the needs of the Tamils unless there is pressure. So, there should be pressure.”
He said that Tamils have waited for 67 years to resolve these problems, they can wait for a few more months before they plan their next moves. “We have to be careful with our emotions. Emotions can’t always bring results,” he said.
Source:: Indian Express
