JHU wants Jaffna and Vavuniya winners in APRC talks

The JHU yesterday urged the newly elected local government officials of Jaffna and Vavuniya to participate in All Party Representative Committee (APRC) discussions regarding a political solution to the ethnic issue.
Speaking at a media briefing JHU backed Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka stated that people representation was essential in the process for a political solution and that they should be encouraged to participate in such discussions. He emphasized that they should engage in presenting their viewpoints to the APRC that is currently finalising a draft proposal to be presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“There has been a paradigm shift in the sentiments of the people since the end of the war and the elections, which has established democracy in these regions after the lapse of over a decade. So it is essential that these representatives who have been elected by the people are encouraged to participate in discussions that have a direct impact on their future,” he said.
When questioned what the future plans of the JHU were Ranawaka placed caution at the forefront adopting a “we will see” response. “Once the APRC proposals are handed over we will see whether they are in line with our policies and then make our stance known. We have consistently been against police powers being given but understand the need for power at local government and village level. Devolving power to grass root level is our main focus.”

See also...

Creating history and hopes at elections

UNP down but not out says Karu