There are two main reasons for devolution. The first is to provide an efficient and informed administration for different areas within a country, without relying on central planning and decision making that takes no account of local requirements. The second is to ensure that people feel empowered with regard to policies and practices affecting their day to day lives.

These are necessary in a democratic society, and for that reason liberals have always supported devolution. We disapprove of the creation of ethnic enclaves, while recognizing that empowerment at local levels will provide each group with the security that people need as to their identity. It will also facilitate decision making based on the needs of the people affected.

It is clear however that the present system of devolution has failed in these respects. Large provincial councils give politicians power that reduplicates what parliamentarians already possess. None of them has much authority, except what their parties allow. Meanwhile provincial governments are hindered by continued control by the centre in all respects. Not only because of the concurrent list, in many areas where local decisions are desirable, central government control continues. The appointment of the chief administrative office of the Province, the Provincial Secretary, by the central government obviously promotes divided loyalties.

The country meanwhile has suffered from vast numbers of Provincial Council members. In addition to massive salary bills, the pressure on administrators to serve several masters has multiplied abuses. Even the elections themselves are destructive. Apart from the initial cost to the country, the cost to individuals is often compensated for through corrupt practices. Again, the artificial creation of jobs before so many elections just to secure votes will be as damaging to the country as political violence has been in the past.

The Liberal Party proposes therefore the following changes –

1. The division of government functions into three clearcut lists, one the responsibility of local government institutions, the second that of the provincial government, the third that of the central government. Administrative responsibilities would devolve to local institutions such as Pradeshiya Sabhas or even smaller units, social and economic policy would be the concern of the provincial government, and the central government would be responsible for security, finance, justice and other fundamental needs and rights. In most instances the government should should not have a monopoly as to activity, but rather a mainly regulatory role to ensure that services are available to all sections of the community.
2. Vesting the executive power of a province in a governor to be elected directly by the people. The governor would appoint ministers in a limited number of areas (eg. Social Development, Infrastructural Development, Economic Development). They will hold office subject to ratification by the provincial assembly. This (a clear separation of powers, on the lines of the system practised in the United States) will streamline the administration and allow for coherent and effective policies, subject to monitoring as outlined below.
3. Vesting the legislative power of a province, and monetary authority, in a provincial assembly made up of representatives elected by zonal assemblies. This will allow all communities in a province to be represented in the assembly. The need for compromise and consensus will arise from the budgetary requirements of the zones as well as the provincial authority. A system of committees will encourage careful monitoring of the activities of provincial ministers.
4. The governor and the provincial assembly to be elected for fixed terms of four years.
5. A constitutionally guaranteed amount of financial resources including a sum of foreign exchange will be transferred by the Central Government to the funds of the Provincial governments as well as to the Pradeshiya Sabhas. These other bodies too may increase their resources through grants, taxes, financial institutions and foreign aid.