MP Udaya Gammanpila has proposed the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, aiming to strip provincial councils of their police powers.
The proposal was presented through a Private Member's Bill tabled in Parliament, marking a notable development in the ongoing discussions surrounding the distribution of authority between central and provincial governments.
Gammanpila's amendment seeks to redefine the roles and responsibilities of provincial councils, particularly regarding law enforcement.
By removing police powers from provincial councils, the proposed amendment could potentially centralize law enforcement under the national government's jurisdiction.
The introduction of the 22nd Amendment comes at a time of heightened debate over the division of powers between the central government and provincial administrations. Advocates argue that centralizing police powers could enhance efficiency and coordination in law enforcement efforts across the country.
However, opponents express concerns regarding potential infringements on provincial autonomy and the principles of decentralization.