Opposition differences on devolution will affect Fonseka: Minister

Sri Lankan govt attacked opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka on the issue devolution of power for Tamils.

The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday attacked opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka on the issue devolution of power for Tamils,saying differences between major parties supporting his candidature will prevent him from taking any stand on the matter.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa8217;s government is working on a devolution package for Tamil-dominated northern Sri Lanka but there are difference between the opposition Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna JVP and United National Party UNP,a senior minister in the Rajapaksa government pointed out.

8220;There are differences between JPV and UNP on the 13th amendment on devolution and Gen Sarath Fonseka would not be able to take a stand,8221; Keheliya Rambukwella said.

While the main Opposition UNP headed by former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe is in favour of extensive power sharing within a united Sri Lanka,the JVP has said it was important to first establish democracy and equal opportunities for all before taking up the devolution issue.

Gen retd Fonseka,who quit as Chief of Defence Staff following differences with Rajapaksa,is JVP and UNP8217;s joint presidential candidate for the January 26 election.

JVP Supremo Somawansa Amarasinghe in an interview had said it was important to first establish democracy and equal opportunites for all before taking up the devolution issue in the north.

8220;The JVP is the only party proposing something beyond the 13th Amendment. We are proposing that we first establish democracy and equal opportunities so that we go towards equality,8221; Amarasinghe had told the Daily Mirror in July.

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Meanwhile,the All People8217;s Representative Committee APRC working on the devolution package has already submitted an interim report to Rajapaksa.

Fonseka told his maiden press conference on Sunday that further discussions were required on the 13th Amendement on devolution as the situation had changed over the years.

8220;8230; this 13th amendment was introduced under different circumstances. Twenty years ago the circumstances that prevailed at that time is different to the circumstances today8230; So you have to find out a system,8221; Fonseka said.

He said the government has to make sure the security,the grievances,the political security and the interest of the minorities are ensured and the solution is also acceptable to the majorities.