Tiran meets TNA for special meeting on 13A

• TNA MPs highlight importance of devolution and issues faced by community
• Alles seeks other solutions for addressing issues not necessitating a division of police powers
• Minister raises doubts on necessity expressed by politicians regarding implementation of 13A

A special discussion concerning the devolution of police powers outlined in the 13th Amendment to the Constitution took place at the Ministry of Public Security Thursday between the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles and a group of MPs from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). 

During the meeting, the TNA MPs elucidated the imperative of devolution, drawing parallels from various global instances. They also engaged in a comprehensive dialogue concerning the challenges encountered by the Tamil community. In response, the Minister explored potential avenues for addressing these issues without necessitating a division of police powers.

But the group underscored that even in advanced nations such as the United Kingdom and India, power distribution has been executed with remarkable efficacy. They highlighted that the strategies employed in those countries could be adapted for implementation in Sri Lanka. Alles however countered by noting that the political and social dynamics of England and Sri Lanka diverge significantly.

The Public Security Minister raised doubts about the necessity expressed by the Tamil populace and their political representatives regarding the implementation of 13A. 

In response, the MPs articulated that the impetus behind their call for implementing the 13th amendment stems from the arduous journeys they have to undertake to reach Colombo for the execution of decisions made by district committees. Additionally, they highlighted challenges arising from the implementation of decisions by certain Governors.

Furthermore, they noted that the proposed matters concerning the delegation of police powers do not introduce any novel elements. However, they emphasised the necessity of establishing a Provincial Police Commission alongside the existing National Police Commission.

The TNA MPs also highlighted a concerning surge in the prevalence of drugs and criminal activities across the northern region. They expressed deep concern over the heavy drug addiction observed among youth in the area.

Alles assured that all relevant information regarding these issues would be shared with the dedicated police committee established to tackle drug and underworld activities. He further affirmed that the confidentiality of such information would be upheld and safeguarded.

The meeting was attended by IGP C.D Wickramaratne, Senior DIG Western Province Deshabandu Tennekoon and several high-ranking police officers. The TNA was represented by MPs M.A Sumanthiran, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Dharmalingam Siddarthan and several others. 

The next meeting between the groups will be held in two weeks’ time as requested by the TNA.