The Hindu : National : No threat to decentralisation, says Sri Lankan Minister

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 26, 2005

National

National

No threat to decentralisation, says Sri Lankan Minister

Staff Reporter

MULANKUNNATHUKAVU (THRISSUR): Chief Minister of the Western Provincial Council of Sri Lanka, Reginald Cooray, has said that the recent assassination of Lakshman Kadirgamar would not affect decentralisation of power by the Sri Lankan Government.

Mr. Cooray is here along with a delegation of people's representatives from his province to participate in a seven-day training programme on "Decentralisation and poverty alleviation for the legislators from SAARC countries" at the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA).

Talking to The Hindu here and earlier addressing the inaugural session of the training programme, Mr. Cooray said decentralisation was crucial for Sri Lanka both for economic growth and for reducing the gravity of the ethnic conflict.

He said the Government wanted to devolve more powers to the LTTE without dividing the country.

Mr. Cooray said the Sri Lankan Government had selected KILA to impart training on decentralisation after evaluating the experience and expertise available in many countries.

"We understand that Kerala has been successful in decentralisation, and we are curious to study how your State interacts with the Central Government, other State Governments and with the local bodies.

Also, there are many similarities in the problems and political issues that are being faced by Sri Lanka and Kerala,'' he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National