Nov 15, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government says legislative amendments to devolve power would only be made through a consensus reached at the proposed Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC).

The government has added that it would not unilaterally decide on changing the current provincial councils system.

Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told parliament that there is an open discussion in the country on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and various political parties have expressed varying views on the matter.

He has noted that despite various interpretations given by opposition political parties, the government's stance on the process is outlined in the Mahinda Chintana, which is to reach a common and wide consensus among differing political opinions.

He has noted that the PSC had been proposed for this purpose.

According to the Minister, it is the opposition that has failed to name its representatives to the PSC.

He has added that the PSC discussion would not be limited to the 13th Amendment, but to resolve issues related to the provincial council system as well.