Mahanayake Theras urge President not to implement 13A

The Mahanayake Theras of the three Chapters has urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe not to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which would lead to issues of independence, territorial integrity and national security.

In a letter to the President, the Prelates said devolving land and police powers, powers to regulate ancient and historical places and to regulate religious societies to Provincial Councils would lead to promotion of separatism in the country.

The Prelates further said the former presidents refrained from fully implementing the 13th Amendment due to its negative consequences and possible unrest in the country.

They said that even though the country would have to face influences to agree to some conditions of the world powers when seeking assistance due to economic crisis, steps should be taken to reject any proposals which would endanger territorial integrity and independence of the country. (Ajith Siriwardana)