The political proposals of the All Party Representative Committee for the resolution of the national conflict were presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees around 4.00 this afternoon (Jan. 23rd).
The APRC suggestions, presented by its Chairman Tissa Vitarana, have been formulated after an estimated 500 hours of talks at 63 meetings spanning over 18 months.
Rajapaksa fulfilled his presidential election promise and formed the APRC to recommend proposals for the devolution of powers as a solution to the ethnic issue.
However, from the very beginning, differences surfaced as political parties represented at the committee have been having their own predetermined opinions.
The JVP pulled out from the APRC in December 2006 in protest over the devolution of power as a solution to the national question.
The UNP too, withdrew in September 2007, accusing the government and the APRC of lethargic in their approach to the issue in question.
All the other political parties have given their consent to the 12-page package of proposals.
Speaking at the hand over of the proposals, President Rajapaksa said that a political problem needed a political solution.
However, terrorism will be answered differently and suitably, he said.
Also speaking on the occasion was EPDP leader and Minister Douglas Devananda, who thanked both the APRC and its chairman for presenting the proposals.
Devananda added that he was happy that these proposals have been presented to the satisfaction of the Tamil community.
Source: lankadissent
Pictures: lankadissent
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