The 13th Amendment to the Constitution should be recognized as a turning point in Sri Lankan politics. The benefits gained and the losses incurred due to the 13th Amendment have been discussed throughout history. The certificate for the 13th Amendment was recorded on November 14, 1987, as per the notes on the amendment. It was published in the Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on November 20, 1987. Accordingly, it was to come into effect officially in Sri Lanka on November 14, but it has not yet been properly implemented. According to Article ‘2-A’ of the amendment, Tamil was also to be recognized as an official language under the Constitution.
Chapter 17 discusses Provincial Councils, highlighting numerous special issues related to them. This extensive note cannot be detailed in this article, but many countries worldwide paid attention to it. The Sri Lankan government once promised to implement the amendment with more than what the 13th Amendment offered. However, many believe that if it had been fully implemented, it would have granted the North some additional power.
Since the inception of the 13th Amendment, southern politicians have campaigned against granting powers to the North. They claimed that giving land and police powers to the North and East would divide the country. A significant nationalist wave against the provincial council system in the South was created back then, with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leading the charge. Leaders like Dinesh Gunawardena raised a strong voice against it. The 13th Amendment has been used since then to win votes in the South.
The result was a division of power, creating distrust between the people and politicians of the North and South. This distrust paved the way for a 30-year war. Politicians in the South used this nationalist sentiment to win elections, which enabled them to gain parliamentary seats, ministries, and even the presidency over 30 years.
Therefore, the greater need and advantage of implementing the amendment lies with the people and politicians of the North. Politicians visiting the North often discuss this issue, and the Northern politicians are accustomed to questioning them. India is also keenly observing the implementation of this amendment. However, the amendment often seems to be passed around rather than properly implemented.
There is now a talk of another presidential election. Politicians in the country seem increasingly interested in the North. It is well known that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) holds the majority power in the North, while the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) holds power in areas like Kayts and Delft. When considering the East, the TNA also holds some power, with the Muslim Congress holding another portion. In Batticaloa, Pilleyan has political strength, and the Hizbullah group has influence in strategic areas like Kattankudy. In the Digamadulla and Ampara areas, Sinhala parties have power. Therefore, it is clear that politicians are naturally inclined to make moves that favor India, the TNA, and other Tamil parties.
We have been at war for 33 years. Even in the few years since the war ended, we haven’t achieved much. Therefore, it is reasonable to think that the wounds of war have not yet healed. Many youths and elders in the North still believe that the Sinhalese in the South do not understand their needs. Northern politicians continue to play this game, and the author does not see any significant difference with new politicians like Rasamanickam. Therefore, Southern politicians need to be more concerned about providing political solutions and addressing issues in the North. Both Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sajith Premadasa seem interested in such matters now. Sajith advocates for granting the North the 13th Amendment, while Anura’s stance may be similar, even if not explicitly stated.
The 13th Amendment is not only for the North but for the entire country. However, its impact is more significant in the North. Many political parties now hold dual policies regarding the 13th Amendment. What they say in the North is often more than what they promise India. Yet, when they come to power, they act as if they know nothing about the amendment. Playing games like this has been a dangerous trend for the past 33 years. Hence, what is needed now is not politicians who deceive the people of the North but those who genuinely address their needs.
Sajith’s current inclination towards this issue is very successful. Politically, the National People’s Power is also discussing a fair solution for the North. Thus, everyone seems to be in the same boat, which is not a bad thing. Provincial Councils are legal governing institutions. Without the 13th Amendment, they still exist. If Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government sincerely wants to provide a fair solution for the North, it can be accomplished. We need a national leader who embodies the spirit of nationality rather than a Sinhala Buddhist leader. Sajith’s efforts in the North are commendable because they are aimed at the future. This effort will benefit the future generation, and we must preserve the country for the future generation.
