Rajapaksa regime to devolve powers as India says - JVP leader

Alleging a secret pact between the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has accused the Rajapaksa regime of eliminating terrorism through war, but consolidating separatism through the constitution.

Speaking to the media in Colombo today (Dec. 01st), Mr. Amarasinghe claimed a three-member committee had been appointed, purportedly for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

He said his party and himself totally oppose betrayal of military achievements of the heroic soldiers, gained at the cost of their lives, at the instigation of any force.

A new committee is not needed to implement the 13th Amendment, and the government is attempting to offer much more than that constitutional provision, the JVP leader alleged.

Mr. Amarasinghe said his party would sacrifice their lives to defeat separatist forces.

Also speaking here, JVP secretary Tilvyn Silva said the present regime was supporting the war as it could ride on the achievements in the battlefront for political gains.

"On one hand, military victories are being achieved and massive swindling is taking place. On the other hand, on the pretext of it, a power devolution process is being attempted. What we want to ask is  would it be fair to offer on a platter the land being liberated at the cost of lives of thousands of soldiers to another group engaged in terrorism? That is a serious mistake."

"This government is clearly strengthening separatism by covering it up with war. Those who vowed to sacrifice their lives against terrorism, while in the government as ministers and preparing to enjoy perks are today saying that it is ok to give what is in the constitution."

"Even if the constitutional amendment says land and police powers should be given, that should not happen. Even the government that created provincial councils did not give those powers. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, if you are going to give what the UNP regime or the Chandrika Kumaratunga regime had not given, that is a disrespect to the fallen soldiers, a betrayal of the motherland. What has to be done now is the development of the areas where terrorism has been defeated and give life back to the people of these areas," he added.