Sajith says yes to devolving powers within unitary Sri Lanka

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa say he agrees to a devolution of powers within a unitary Sri Lanka.

In a speech to a meeting of Buddhist monks in Galle yesterday (15), Premadasa said his stand with regard to the 13th amendment to the constitution always remained unchanged.

He said his expectation was its implementation to devolve powers within a unitary country.

Hopes for a unitary, sovereign country whose territorial integrity and political freedom are guaranteed are threatened today, the opposition leader said.

Unity, harmony and integration of the nation are important for a unitary and sovereign country, he said.

Premadasa pledged to ensure equality of all citizens to live with dignity and to uphold the foremost place given to Buddhism by the constitution while protecting other religions and communities.

For all that, divisions in the country need to be eliminated first, he said, adding that he remained committed to the protection of all of its communities.