Citizens not seeking devolution: Sagara Kariyawasam 

• Says people are focused on economic stability and straightening democracy and not 13A
• Notes party intends to urge President to temporarily set aside power devolution 
• Accuses external forces and NGOs of attempting to destabilise country amidst economic crisis

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam holding a press conference on Monday at the party head office claimed the people of Sri Lanka are not seeking a devolution of powers at this juncture. “Rather, their aspiration centres around stabilising the economy and strengthening democracy,” he said.   Kariyawasam expressed that, given the current circumstances, he intends to urge the President to temporarily set aside the matter of the devolution of powers. Instead, he said the Government must focus on directly intervening in the primary concern of economic revival t and prioritising this over other considerations.

The MP opined that amidst the nation’s financial turmoil, the enforcement of the 13th Amendment is not of paramount importance. He also alleged external forces and non-Governmental organisations are attempting to exploit the country’s economic situation in order to destabilise it. 

He elaborated that within a nation experiencing instability, there are individuals who seek to gain unfair advantages by undertaking diverse activities.

Last week the SLPP announced that the party deems the implementation of the 13A unsuitable at this particular juncture. Kariyawasam said the decision was reached based on the belief that the country might face undue pressure if the Government attempts to enhance 13A while dealing with the economic crisis. The party has suggested that such an expansion could be considered once the Government attains a stronger economic position.