31.3.2008
Defence
Spokesman and Minister of Foreign Employment Keheliya Rambukwella
addressing a media briefing this morning (31) in Colombo
debunked speculation created by certain politicians that
Government intended putting off the Provincial Council polls
in the Eastern Province.
Explaining
the legal status of the North and East merger, he said,
"According to the Indo-Lanka Accord a temporary merger
of the North and East was included on the premise that
arms would be handed over and the people given the right
to vote on whether to keep the province merged permanently.
"Thereafter,
the two regions were kept together by successive presidents
who postponed the referendum that the Amendment demanded.
Subsequently the Supreme Court ruled that this situation
could not go on indefinitely and that people should have
the right to exercise their political weapon –the
vote.
"Therefore
Government has no hesitation in holding elections."
The
Minister said that the Government will give maximum support
to strengthening the fabric of Democracy and dismissed
claims by certain quarters that plans were underfoot to
postpone the PC elections in the East.
Courtesy
- Government Information