The National People’s Power (NPP) on Friday said that although the Provincial Council system set up under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution has failed to achieve its objectives, the new Government does not expect to do away with it until a more viable mechanism which protects the rights of the Tamil people in the North is found.
General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and founding member of the National People’s Power (NPP), Tilvin Silva told the media at the NPP headquarters in Pelawatte soon after the party secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament that the Provincial Council system introduced with the adoption of the 13th Amendment in 1987 had failed as an administrative structure and provide viable solutions to the issues faced by the people in the North. Responding to a question from a journalist, he said a more viable mechanism should be introduced following discussions with all stakeholders.
Silva said that the NPP won both electoral districts in the North, despite some traditional Tamil politicians in the area leveraging racism as a political tool to woo voters. “Some traditional political parties over the years had been using identity politics while leveraging racism and religious differences to oppress the people and keep them under their control not only in the North, but also in the East and the upcountry plantation areas as well. But, the NPP in this campaign had approached people in a very open and transparent manner while extending a brotherly hand. The people accepted us and they believed in us. It is very clear by this mandate.”
Silva said previously the biggest obstacle to reaching out to the Tamil and minority communities was the mistrust and suspicion which prevailed.
The JVP General Secretary said according to the mandate given to the NPP it is clear that people have shed this mistrust and suspicion and this is the most uplifting message at this election for unity, harmony and development in Sri Lanka’s future.
Silva said that at this election people had defeated the divisive politics practised by past rulers and it augurs well for the country’s future.
General Secretary of the NPP, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, Executive Committee members, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala and the newly elected MP Savithri Polraj also spoke.
