Senior journalist Victor Ivan said that for the country to advance, it is imperative to transcend divisions rooted in religion, caste, and other divisive elements. According to him, embracing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and its effective implementation is a pathway to foster progress and unity within the nation.
“We must follow India when implementing the 13A. The devolution of power in India is not uniform across all States, as some States have been granted more power than others. This highlights the flexibility in the devolution process, which does not necessitate a standardised approach for all States,” he said.
Ivan said that power can be initially devolved to the North for a limited period, and if the results are favourable and successful, then other provinces can also adopt a similar approach. “To make progress, adopting a more flexible policy is necessary. We must approach current issues with fresh perspectives, breaking away from the constraints of the status quo. By prioritising the welfare of the country and its minorities through innovative approaches, Sri Lanka can minimise external interference from countries such as India,” he said.
The senior journalist said that all parties must discuss and debate the devolution of power before arriving at a decision.
“Devolution should not be misconstrued as a means of dividing the country; that notion is a false narrative. In fact, numerous countries such as India, Switzerland, and Belgium have successfully undergone the devolution process without any negative consequences of division. To understand the potential benefits and implications of devolution, we can study and learn from their political, social, and economic processes,” he said.
He said that the process of devolution must not be undertaken in isolation; instead, it requires the active involvement of all parties.
“Only through such inclusive participation can a solution that is accepted by everyone could be found. By uniting all parties, it becomes possible to address issues within the current political system and even consider the enactment of a new Constitution,” he said.
“India has made significant progress by moving away from restrictions based on social systems, caste, religion, and culture. That is why they have reached this status today. We must work together with India as it is one of the key players in geopolitics. If we work with them we too can prosper,” he said.