Provincial Council Polling Act amendment prepared for implementation :
Advisory Council will provide guidance to Governors until PCs become functional :
Within a thriving PC system, there is potential for significant transformation in overall system :
President Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that once discussions have been held and consensus reached regarding the proposed increase in the number of female members in Provincial Councils, measures will be taken to conduct Provincial Council Elections.
This is following the revision of laws pertaining to Provincial Councils and the implementation of new legislation, should Parliament endorse the amending the Provincial Council Voting Act, which includes voting based on the District Proportional System and allows Members of Parliament the right to contest in Provincial Councils, with a minimum of 25% female representation, the President said.
The President made this declaration a special statement in the Parliament yesterday (9) where he presented his suggestions and forthcoming actions concerning the 13th Amendment of the Constitution and the delineation of powers. He confirmed that the establishment of a committee, headed by the Prime Minister, will be pursued to re-evaluate the powers assigned to the Central Government, the functions assigned to Provincial Councils, and the shared responsibilities stipulated in the constitution.
The resulting amendments will be proposed, garnering the support of all Parliamentary factions.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the intent to establish an Advisory Council to offer guidance to provincial governors until the operationalisation of the Provincial Councils. Noting the entrenched role of Provincial Councils within the governance structure and political landscape of the country, the President emphasized the opportunity to effect a substantial transformation in constructing an effective, transparent, and corruption-free Provincial Council system that commands public trust and addresses citizen concerns.
President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the challenges in reaching consensus, particularly with sensitive matters like Police powers during the devolution of authority to Provincial Councils under the 13th Amendment.
He underscored the importance of unity in executing these initiatives.