A merger, a verdict for demerger and claims for remerger

By Professor H.A. Aponso, Kandy

A few years ago, the President of the country, in an attempt to solve the prevailing national conflict., thought it prudent and pragmatic to grant devolution of power ( provincial autonomy ) to all the provinces. He also decided to merge the Northern and Eastern provinces temporarily (as an interim measure ). It must be recognised that at no time did the people in all the provinces make a demand for provincial autonomy, nor did the state seek the will of the people. While the wisdom of that decision was, and is, questionable, the country has now to face the resultant consequences and repercussions. There has been a merger, a verdict for a demerger, and now claims for a remerger from some quarters.

It is now an opportune moment to seek the considered opinion ( the will ) of the people regarding the real need for provincial autonomy for all the provinces, and to give them the opportunity to assess the status quo. In this connection, they should consider the vast amount spent on a few, such as the staffs of the Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers, Provincial Council,(in addition to expenditure on provincial elections), etc, whereas that colossal expenditure could well be diverted to the ultimate benefit of all the people.

It is, therefore, suggested that provincial autonomy should be granted to a province, only if there is a demand by that province, as determined at a referendum..

At such a referendum the will of the people to merge with an adjacent province could also be ascertained, and a merger granted only if the provinces concerned are in agreement. This may lead to asymmetrical devolution (autonomy), where some provinces are granted autonomy and some come under the Central Government. Considering the national benefits, it is considered unlikely that such an arrangement would be either unacceptable or impractical. If there is any doubt, the decision should be to give it a reasonable trial for a few years, and then redesign it, if considered necessary, in the interests of good governance, national security, and socio - economic development.

It should also be pointed out that there is nothing inviolable or sacrosanct about the division of the country into nine provinces. The guiding principles in arriving at a division of the country into provinces for the purpose of better administration (whether they are granted autonomy or not ) should be considerations such as the following : ethnic and communal harmony, geographical boundaries, regional development, and the protection of national interests.

On these considerations, and on the will of the people, as expressed at the referendum referred to, a decision should be taken to decrease the number of provinces, and to grant provincial autonomy only where there is such a demand.

It is also suggested that, in consideration of national interests, an adequate area should be vested in the Central ( National ) Government, around : all points of entry to, and exit from, the country, areas of socio-cultural-economic importance, the National Parliament, if such areas happen to be situated within a province that is granted provincial autonomy.