TNA renews call for land powers

19 December 2011 04:45 pm Views - 2852

The TNA today renewed its call for land powers for the centre of devolution. This request was made by the party’s delegation who met a team of government members for discussions today.

TNA MP Suresh Premachnadran told the Daily Mirror that the party requested for land powers as it had been recommended by the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) while it was a major demand by the Tamil parties during the 1995 discussions they had with the then government.

However the government delegation has turned down this request stating that devolving land powers is not the policy of the present regime unlike the previous regimes.

The TNA delegation had then responded stating that it was a proposal made by the APRC which was appointed by the present president.

Talks have however ended without a proper decision regarding the matter.

Mr. Premachnadran said the two parties would meet tomorrow to discuss a future date for the next round of talks.

The government delegation which was led by Leader of the House Nimal Siripala De Silva comprised Minister of External Affairs Professor G. L. Peiris, MPs Rajiwa Wijesinghe and monitoring MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena. While the TNA delegation was led by R. Sampathan, and included M. A. Sunmanthiran, Mavai Senathirajah together with Mr. Premachndran.

The two delegations met at the Parliamentary complex. (Yohan Perera)