Canada Calls For Devolution Of Power

The Canadian government says it will continue to encourage progress in the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation in Sri Lanka.  Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said that it is Canada’s hope that President MaithripalaSirisena fulfills the mandate given to him by the people of Sri Lanka to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government.  He also welcomed the reinstatement of ShiraniBandaranayake as Chief Justice of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court and recalled that in January 2013, at the time of the Chief Justice’s impeachment, he had expressed deep concern about the opaque and politicized nature of her impeachment, an action that severely undermined the legitimacy of the rule of law in Sri Lanka.

“We also welcome the recent appointment of a civilian, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, to replace a retiring senior military commander as governor of the predominantly Tamil Northern Province.

Following the successful elections earlier this month, it is our hope that President MaithripalaSirisena fulfills the mandate given to him by the people of Sri Lanka to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government. Canada will continue to encourage progress in the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation,” he added.