(June 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, addressing a large gathering of people on the last 07th stated that it is only now the people of Jaffna have begun to derive the benefits of the Provincial Council System, established, especially for the well-being of the people of the North/East. And on behalf of the Tamil Speaking People he expressed his heartiest thanks to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapakse for the steps taken by the President in this regard.

Speaking further, the Minister said that the Provincial Council System which came into being under the Indo-Lanka Accord never functioned in the manner it meant to be both in the North and East. In fact it was deemed an inefficient and age old system by some who claimed themselves to be the leaders of the Tamil Speaking People “It is only now the Provincial Council System has commenced functioning, for the very purpose it has been setup in the North as well as in the East. And within a short period of few months when the benefits of the system trickle down to the people, they would be pleased with the outcome” and on behalf of the Tamil Speaking People, the Minister wished expressing his sincere and heart felt thanks to His Excellency the President for having taken such a step. 

The Minister also said that His Excellency the President had already implemented the first stage of the set of proposal submitted by him comprising of 3 stages for arriving at a solution for the political rights of the Tamil Speaking People by giving a political leadership to the Provincial Council with due powers in accordance with the constitution under the second stage, enabling the people for realising their political aspirations to a greater degree and thereafter to create a conducive environment to take people forward, for arriving at a lasting solution. 

Minister went on to say that we Sri Lankans could regain the support of India as the Provincial Council System established through their intervention has now been reactivated. The support of India was imperatively essential for a lasting solution for which purpose he always would come forward, the Minister added.   

The Tiger leadership who struck an anti-Indian note for gaining petty ends was now kneeling before India in the most demeaning manner for support, the Minister further stated..

“As we are taking forward a meaningful and practically successful set of proposals for the well-being of the people. I am in a position to obtain continuous assistance from India for betterment of our people” said the Minister, finally. 

(Courtesy : Sri Lanka Guardian )