Dilrook Kannangara

It has been 14 years since Sri Lanka promised 13 Plus to the UN (May 29, 2009) but no government since then implemented it as a Constitutional amendment. For good reasons. When the President visited India recently, the Indian PM made it very clear that Sri Lanka must devolve more powers to Tamils. As this obviously goes well beyond current 13A it can be termed 13 Plus. Now is the perfect time for 13 Plus as there is very little opposition to it in parliament.

SJB, TNA, SLMC, CWC, EPDP will not oppose it due to Indian and own interest. SLPP leadership will not oppose it as they rely on the president for own safety and survival. SLPP breakaways will not oppose it wholeheartedly as they too have presidential ambitions. All elected presidents supported 13A.

A presidential election must be declared within the next year. Given the fragmentation of the Buddhist vote, minorities have become kingmakers. Appeasing minorities is key to winning the next presidential election and this means 13 Plus.

Hunger, frustration and hopelessness have made people immune to threats to national security. In fact, everything near and dear to the nation has become matters of laughter for most young Sri Lankans.

All these make 13 Plus a real possibility and a threat.

More minority appeasements will be dished out in the coming 12 months ahead of the next presidential election.