Northern Interim Council next week

By Thava Sajitharan

The Cabinet is expected to discuss the setting up of interim political councils in the North at the next Cabinet meeting to be held on Wednesday, informed sources close to the Government said. Five members are likely to be appointed to the council during the course of next week, according to well placed sources. It is learnt that President Rajapaksa is in favour of appointing TULF leader, V. Anandasangaree as the Governor of the Northern Province.
However, Anandasangaree had already dismissed media speculation with regard to being appointed as Governor, saying he doesn’t want to be anyone’s “rubber stamp”.
The other likely option is EPDP leader, and a Cabinet Minister in the present administration, Douglas Devananda. Devananda has reportedly expressed willingness to sacrifice his Ministerial portfolio in order to accept the post of Governor.
The proposed interim Council would mainly be entrusted with the task of advising the Governor of the Northern Province.
It is learnt that the President will invite political parties representing the Northern region that are aligned with his Government to recommend their preferred nominees to be appointed as the members of the Council.
However, when contacted, the All Ceylon Muslim Congress leader, Minister Rishad Bathiyudeen who is also a parliamentarian representing the northern region said he had not yet been asked by the President to recommend his nominee.
“If at the next Cabinet meeting I am asked to make the recommendations, I’ll do so” said the Minister.