Pillaiyan joins pro-13A camp

Former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province and Adviser to the President on Eastern Affairs, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillaiyan, said the 13th Amendment to the Constitution should not be allowed to be weakened by introducing changes to it. The former EPC Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at a cultural event in Koralaippattu in the Batticaloa District yesterday.  "In the past few days the issue of the 13th Amendment has taken centre stage with several political parties expressing different views on the amendment. However, no one should attempt to meddle with the 13th Amendment, which is aimed at devolving powers to the Provinces. Any change introduced to the Amendment will adversely affect the reconciliation between the communities in the country. We are not for weakening the 13th Amendment. We believe the amendment would pave the way for greater devolution in order to fulfil the political aspirations of the Tamils. Therefore, we are prepared to join hands with the political parties, which share the same views on strengthening the 13th Amendment and not weakening it," Pillaiyan said. CT