By Rajeewa Jayaweera –
Rajeewa Jayaweera
It is with some trepidation that I read the news item ‘Sri Lankan Government committed to Resettlement’ in the Daily News of Saturday, 06 June 2015. The news items contained the full text of speech made by Subinay Nandy, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, Sri Lanka at the Donor Conference on the Comprehensive Policy Framework and Formulation of the Resettlement Action Plan held in Colombo on June 4.
Mr Nandy has confirmed a Peace Building fund of USD 3 mil to “establish and operationalize processes for building peach through reconciliation and accountability by addressing the critical core grievances of minorities in an inclusive and consultative manner”. Towards this end, he states the UN intends supporting GoSL in four key areas.
The third of the four key areas is “to provide technical support to the Northern Provincial Government to better plan and undertake development programs, generate revenue and reach out to communities, for consultation and feedback. This component is to be implemented by UNDP”.
Since the passing and implementation of the 13th Amendment, the terminology used in Sri Lanka when referring to the said institutions is Provincial Council and not Provincial Council Government or Provincial Government.
It is not for the Resident Coordinator of the UNDP or as for that matter any foreign representative to use terminology not used in the country. To say the least, it is an irresponsible reference, especially in the current context. Such utterances can be construed by those still promoting ‘separatism’ as an endorsement by international organizations of their objectives. Similarly, such utterances can be used by radical elements in the majority community to promote their cry on ‘foreign interference’ (the writer hastens to add – at times justifiably and at times unjustifiably) thus causing unnecessary problems for the government.
Some critics are bound to compare ourselves with India and refer to India’s State Governments. It must be borne in mind that since independence, India has referred to their governing institutions as Central (Union) Government and State Governments. Such is not the case in Sri Lanka.
It is hoped that Mr Nandy will take cognizance of his faux pas and make suitable amends by correcting his omission. In the absence of such a correction, it is also hoped that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make its displeasure known to the relevant UNDP authorities in an appropriate manner.
Robert.R / June 10, 2015
A silly sausage of a man making a mountain out of a molehill.
Its a provincial “government”
I guess you had nothing to do today?
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Native Vedda / June 10, 2015
Rajeewa Jayaweera types:
“Since the passing and implementation of the 13th Amendment, the terminology used in Sri Lanka when referring to the said institutions is Provincial Council and not Provincial Council Government or Provincial Government.”
He will do well to refer to the constitution where it says:
The Provincial Councils Act No 42 of 1987 provides for –
The Membership of Provincial Councils
Meetings and conduct of business in Provincial Councils
The financial procedure in the Provincial Councils
The establishment of the Provincial, Public Service
There is no legal definition of Provincial Council.
A Provincial Council is not –
A Government Ministry or Department
A Local Authority
A Statutory Corporation or Authority or
A Public Company
http://www.priu.gov.lk/ProvCouncils/ProvicialCouncils.html
Either Rajeewa Jayaweera has too little time to do his research or too much time and nothing better to do.
These are not serious enough points for the readers to ponder .
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Analyst / June 11, 2015
Robert……..on silly sausage man called MR WHERE DO YOU THINK HE WILL BE SAFE IN SL?
Will he be safe in ANGODA or WELISARA make your choice. He needs a safe place to live.
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vimuktha / June 11, 2015
This silly [Edited out] Rajeeva comes from a racist background [Edited out]
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Burt / June 10, 2015
I think you hit the nail on the head.
“I guess you had nothing to do today?”
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Piranha / June 10, 2015
Provincial councils have ministers and a chief minister, so calling the NPC a northern provincial government is appropriate. It is a “provincial” government and not a “state” government.
I agree with the writer that racists on both sides may cause mischief just to cause trouble for the government.
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Sellam / June 10, 2015
The writer of this article is splitting hairs. Can he explain the difference between the Provincial government and the provincial council.
What difference does it make. Whatever it is, it is a powerless government or Council as such because the Sinhala majority doesn’t want to give mare powers to the Tamils to administer themselves. It is not now but from the beginning of the 1940s and the Sinhala majority was fully responsible for the war and destruction that took place. It is because of people like Jeyaweera who has a devilish mind.
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Non PhD / June 10, 2015
Who and who brought the 13 th amendment and what was it purpose ?
What is ” Local Goverernment” in the Westminster Style Parliamentary System ?
One of the meanings of ” Council ” is, local or district or provincial governing body.
What is the definition of ” Governer ” in the 13th amendment ? When was the Governer system for the provinces started ?
What is the defintion of ” Chief Minister” in the 13th amendment ? In SL, a Chief Minister is elected by the people of a province or appointed by the Goverment (President or Prime Minister ) ?
When the people of a province are denied provincial council elections, why the GOSL appoint a Governer and bring the province under the DIRECT RULE OF THE PRESIDENT OF SL ?
What are the definitions of direct rule and provincial rule ?
I am not a RAJeeva or a JAYA WEERA. So as a layman I request you, please enlighten me on the points I raised.
MAY TRIPLE GEM BE WITH YOU AND ME .
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Ajith / June 10, 2015
I think this stupid gentlement is try choose and pick that can boil Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentlist blood against Tamils of this island in support of Mahinda & Co. This shows how irresponsible was people like this bugger, Dayan and Vasudeva. I doubt these individuals are in favour of separation or blood bath of Sinhalese and Tamils. Tamils wants to live with dignity as equals to others and they have to have their share of power in decision making. SWRD to Mahinda agreed for proper devolution of Power and Sinhalese people are happy to devolve power and live peacefully with Tamils. That is why they did not like Mahinda and sent him out of power within 5 years of end of war. Sinhalese never supported oppressing Tamils and they always asked Sinhalese leaders to bring peace and rule of law.
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Non PhD / June 11, 2015
Rajapakse’s Cabinet ( 14 th cabinet ) had A L M Athaullah as the Minister of Local Government & Provincial Councils.
Srisena’s Cabinet (15th cabinet ) has a minister for Public Administration, Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Democratic Governance.
Anyway RAJeeva Jayaweera, can you enlighten me why Wikipedia refers the Srilankan Government as the 15th Central Government of Srilanka and not simply as the Government of Srilanka.
If something is central then there must be non central/so also.
Anyway Neelan Thiruchelvam’s father Senator Thiruchelvam was given a post as Minister for Local Government by Gentleman PM Dudley with the aim of resolving the national issues through devolution of power. Dudley’s government could not survive. Then came Colvin, Srimavo et el. followed by JVP uprising. Then came JR and the executive presidency followed by black July followed by LTTE uprising and JVP uprising.
I would like to remind “Parippu Mahathaya ” NM ‘s analogy of ” Merry Go Round ” ride. It starts at the same point and come back to the same point. SLFP and UNP takes the voters on that type of ride.
Unfortunately NM is not there to see how the people like Vasudeva, Tissa Vitharane , RAJeeva Jayaweera and the likes, take the voters/ readers on the same political ride again and again.
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Rajash / June 11, 2015
Tamil Eelam doesn’t have the word Government. Perhaps that is more acceptable to you?
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Jim softy / June 11, 2015
There is something fishy in this UNDP program.
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Richard Kaz / June 11, 2015
What hope is there for devolution of power and reconciliation in Sri Lanka when the word ‘government’ cannot be used to refer to Provincial Councils. Is this an admission that 13A is a joke and does not in anyway devolve power to the Provinces??
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Dr Dayan Jayatilleka / June 11, 2015
Going by the impeccable logic of these critics of Mr. Jayaweera, why not call the Colombo Municipal Council, the Colombo Municipal Government? :)))
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Ajith / June 11, 2015
Dayan,
If you like you can call even Hambantota electorate as Hambantota Mahinda Govt. Provincial Councils have Chief Minister, Ministers, and Ministries like Central Government.What is the logic of having ministeries? Were you part of the North-Eastern Provincial govt?
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kali / June 11, 2015
Dayan:
Going by the impeccable logic of these critics of Mr. Jayaweera, why not call the Colombo Municipal Council, the Colombo Municipal Government? :)))
*** You are right. From where you are preaching your Sermons ie Ward Place”
Why not call your Natural Habitat “WARD PALACE” ( Mahinthas Kingdom) instead of “WARD PLACE”
You are not stupid as I thought you were. You know how to Devolve and Where to Devolve Power.
Just repeat after me.
DEVOLVE POWER to the TAMIL KINGDOM. Problem Solved and you and I can live happily ever after.
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Native Vedda / June 11, 2015
Dr Dayan Jayatilleka
“Going by the impeccable logic of these critics of Mr. Jayaweera, why not call the Colombo Municipal Council, the Colombo Municipal Government? “
When did you learn logic is important than paranoia?
Keeping intellectual honesty intact is most important than impeccable logic. You are void of both.
Why is the ministry which over sees Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas is named “MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT”?
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Rajash / June 11, 2015
Dr.DJ
what would you call the piece of land Mahinda was going to give away to China.
Port City Chinese Government?
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Richard Kaz / June 12, 2015
Thank you for admiitting that 13A falls far far short in terms of power devolution by comparing the Provincial Councils to a Municipal Council. It is time for true devolution of power to the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
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kali / June 11, 2015
Rajeewa Jayaweera:
You are no different to the rest of your Countrymen. After reading your Article I have to say reluctantly that it includes all 22 Million of you. That is why I have always maintained that the solution to the Tamil Problem is not going to come from within. The Sinkalams will never willingly yield anything to the Tamils.
They haven’t done it in 67 years and why would they do it now.
It has to be forced out with International help and 13th Amendment is just the beginning.
Let me put you on the spot.
1) Mr Nandy has confirmed a Peace Building fund of USD 3 mil to “establish and operationalize processes for building peach through reconciliation and accountability by addressing the critical core grievances of minorities in an inclusive and consultative manner”. Towards this end, he states the UN intends supporting GoSL in four key areas.
*** Mr.Nandy has got everything in reverse order.
Accountability first and then Reconciliation.
2)The third of the four key areas is “to provide technical support to the Northern Provincial Government to better plan and undertake development programs, generate revenue and reach out to communities, for consultation and feedback. This component is to be implemented by UNDP”.
*** Technical support without devolution with Land & Police Powers is Meaningless.
3) Maithripala Wigneswaran Since the passing and implementation of the 13th Amendment, the terminology used in Sri Lanka when referring to the said institutions is Provincial Council and not Provincial Council Government or Provincial Government.
*** That is the view of the Majority and not the aspirations of the Tamils and you are not going to fool us. It may take a while but we will get to the Promised Land. Make no Mistake.
4)It is not for the Resident Coordinator of the UNDP or as for that matter any foreign representative to use terminology not used in the country. To say the least, it is an irresponsible reference, especially in the current context. Such utterances can be construed by those still promoting ‘separatism’ as an endorsement by international organizations of their objectives. Similarly, such utterances can be used by radical elements in the majority community to promote their cry on ‘foreign interference’ (the writer hastens to add – at times justifiably and at times unjustifiably) thus causing unnecessary problems for the government.
*** The choice is clearly yours and we have a different Political Reality and with the Iron Lady back in the Saddle India will have no choice but to implement 13th Amendment agreed with Sinhala Lanka and the Tragedies of ” Vithya” and many more add Urgency to that devolution.
5) Some critics are bound to compare ourselves with India and refer to India’s State Governments. It must be borne in mind that since independence, India has referred to their governing institutions as Central (Union) Government and State Governments. Such is not the case in Sri Lanka.
*** You are no longer the master of your destiny and even an Ostrich like you should be able to see the events unfolding.
a) Cancellation of Colombo Port City.
b) Barring the docking of Chinese Ships and Submarines.
c) Encroachment of Sampur.
d) The closer cooperation and Indian involvement in building the Infrastructure like the Railways.
6) It is hoped that Mr Nandy will take cognizance of his faux pas and make suitable amends by correcting his omission. In the absence of such a correction, it is also hoped that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make its displeasure known to the relevant UNDP authorities in an appropriate manner.
*** The above is a wishful thinking but it is not going to happen. Wake up and face reality.
“cognizance” means you undertake the security on Trust on behalf of two differing interests and if one party fails to deliver or to be more precise Honour the Promise there are sanctions as punishment which Sinhala Lanka can ill afford.
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Heretic / June 11, 2015
kali,
”That is the view of the Majority and not the aspirations of the Tamils and you are not going to fool us.”
In a democracy the majority actually decides. Whether we live in a real democracy is another question.
”It may take a while but we will get to the Promised Land. Make no Mistake.”
I have a feeling that your ”Promised Land” might be a place many others do not want. Can you please describe it in detail?
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Native Vedda / June 12, 2015
Heretic
“In a democracy the majority actually decides. Whether we live in a real democracy is another question.”
It is known as “Tyranny of the Majority”. Hence needs political arrangements to accommodate the fears and hopes of the minority.
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Heretic / June 13, 2015
Native Vedda,
”It is known as “Tyranny of the Majority”. Hence needs political arrangements to accommodate the fears and hopes of the minority.”
Exactly. I assume that you have read about how consent is manufactured and how people allow themselves to be manipulated.
I belong to a minority among one of the minorities. My hopes and fears should also be accommodated.
My dream about fundamental rights, human rights, law and order, independent courts, independent police and independent public service continues.
I can understand why so many have emigrated and why they will never come back.
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kali / June 12, 2015
Heretic
You have inherited every bit from your Ancestors. That is the or shall I say that was the problem in Sinhala Lanka. Not anymore.
I have already commented on this. Whether you like it or not you are not the master of your Own DESTINY.
Wake up man. Yes you are right the Majotity decides.
You are a drop in the Indian ( INDIA) Ocean and you are on a Chain like a Dog and you have to listen to your Master.
The Hambanthotta THUG was booted out Cheenavedi was given the Marching Orders, Sampur Encroached. Where is your Sovereignty. It has gone down the Palk Straight like a “Thathalikum Malare”.
Make it easy for yourself and if were you I will say I kmow my place which is at the Bottom of the Pile.
If you can try and challenge me on every thing I have said.
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sach / June 12, 2015
why should sinhalese yield anything to Tamils? This is Sinhala nijaboomi.
You cant request special powers in English nijaboomiya, england. So it is the same here
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Native Vedda / June 12, 2015
sach chooooooooooooooo
“why should sinhalese yield anything to Tamils?”
No need to yield anything to Tamils, however I want them to go back to their mother country in South India. They will go back only if you join them. Its high time both got lost somewhere in South India which is your stupid homeland.
” This is Sinhala nijaboomi. “
Do you really understand what “Nijabhumi” means in history?
“You cant request special powers in English nijaboomiya, england. So it is the same here”
Stupid is as stupid does.
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sach / June 14, 2015
Yes you need to go back to your nijabhoomi in TN, ashamed tamil..
Yes this is sinhala nijabhoomi in every sense of the word.
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Sri-Krish / June 11, 2015
Dayan ,
Yes Why not call Colombo Municipal Council as Colombo Municipal Government if you like.
By calling Colombo Municipal Council as Colombo Municipal Government does the powers and functions of the Municipal Councils changed.
What is in a name?
In fact the third tier of Government in Sri Lanka is called Local Government from time immemorial.
In India states are called States Governments since independence in1947
Why you call WOLF When there is only a lamb?
Sri
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Native Vedda / June 11, 2015
Sri-Krish
“Why you call WOLF When there is only a lamb?”
Paranoia.
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cholan / June 11, 2015
Wow …from cockpit to politics but must take training in political simulator first..
This Provincial l Council was started by Big Nose Emperor JR to fool the International community …
This council has no power ..just a talking shop ..can`t even appoint… a peon …
and Sinhala governor has the final word ….
Cheers
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Ponkoh Sivakumaran / June 11, 2015
Obviously a fool who had nothing to do but pick nits like a monkey, with the great wizard of Angoda, Dayan Jayatilleke (PhD, Bananalandd) in support. We have had a Local Government Act and a Ministry of Local Government from old times. The meaning of the term government connotes a variety of things, including a gam sabhawa. Gonna ralas in blinkers see mischief in every little matter and seek to create confusion in the hope that their corrupt and criminal master could profit from the confusion.
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Crazyoldmansl / June 12, 2015
Rajeewa the provincial councils were set up to govern provinces. Get it? What you call them makes no difference to this.
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Garawi / June 12, 2015
If we have/had Local Government why not Provincial Governments too! The powers are clearly noted legally somewhere!
The problem is not the word, but the fact that the 13th Amendment was forced down Sri Lanka’s throat by the then Indian Government of Rajiv Ghandi after the Parippu Air drop over Jaffna. JR accepted it without turning towards China, who even at that time would have come to the rescue. Therefore we need to abrogate it and propose our own version that is acceptable to all citizens.
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