Banda – Selva Agreement on 26th July 1957
Banda – Selva Agreement. on 26th July 1957
[The Banda – Selva Agreement was an accord signed on 26th July 1957 by the SriLankan Prime Minister Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Tamil Arasu leader Mr. S.J.V. Chelvanayakam]
Section A
In an attempt to resolve the differences of opinions that had been causing the discourse in the newly independent, consolidated island nation of Ceylon, representatives of the Tamil Arasu (which means Party) of Celyon Island held talks with the Prime Minister.
However, it soon became evident that certain proposals from the Tamil Arasu would be impossible for the Prime Minister to accept as these discussions began.
The SriLankan Prime Minister asserted that their government’s position is not to repeal the Single Language Act (Sinhala), either on a federal basis or within the so-called unified Sri Lanka, whether initiated by the Tamil Arasu (Party) or independently by the Tamil Arasu (Party).
The question then emerged as to whether the Tamil Arasu (Party) could reach an interim arrangement without compromising any of its fundamental principles and objectives. The SriLankan Prime Minister suggested that the government investigate the Pradeshiya Sabha Bill to see if it might be possible to make adjustments that would reasonably accommodate some of the points of contention raised by the Tamil Arasu (Party).
Provisional Agreement
The Tamil Arasu (Party) presented the case for equal status in the matter of language in the newly consolidated island nation. Nevertheless, they were able to reach a temporary agreement, considering the Prime Minister’s position on the matter.
But they also stressed the importance of recognizing Tamil as a national language given Tamils are indigenous to the island and ensuring that administrative functions within the Northern and Eastern provinces be carried out in Tamil language.
As he had previously indicated, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister emphasized that there was no possibility of taking action to repeal the Official Language Act.
After a detailed exchange of views, both parties agreed that the proposed law should recognize Tamil as the language of the national minority in the newly established, consolidated island nation of Ceylon, that the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s four-point plan should include provisions for Tamil to serve as the administrative language in the North and East Provinces without implying or impacting the status of the Sri Lanka official language, and that suitable arrangements should be made for newly intrusive non-Tamil-speaking Sinhala settlers within these provinces.
The representatives of the Tamil Arasu (Party) presented their concerns to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister regarding the issue of granting local citizenship to the indigenous Tamils from the neighboring subcontinent of Tamil Nadu and the Immigration Act stressing the importance of resolving the issue soon.
The Prime Minister announced that the matter would be given prompt attention and consideration. And because of these decisions, the Tamil Arasu (which means Party) announced that it would call off its planned (peaceful resistance rooted in truth) satyagraha action.
Section B.
1. The boundaries of the Pradeshiya Sabhas (local councils)will be clearly defined and included as a Schedule within the Act.
2. The Northern Province will consist of one Pradeshiya Sabha, while the Eastern Province will have two or more Pradeshiya Sabhas.
3. The Act will allow for the merger of two or more Pradeshiya Sabhas across provincial borders, and a Pradeshiya Sabha may also separate itself, subject to Parliament’s approval. The Act will enable the coordinated operation of two or more Pradeshiya Sabhas under shared supervision for designated purposes.
4. Members of the Pradeshiya Sabha will be elected directly by the people. A Constituency Determination Committee (or several committees) will be set up to determine and define the boundaries for these constituencies.
5. The eligibility of Members of Parliament from the districts within the Pradeshiya Sabha’s boundaries to be selected as Chairman will be reviewed. Discussions will also be held regarding the appointment of Government Agents as Divisional Commissioners, as well as the supervisory powers held by large cities, central cities, and municipal councils.
6. Parliament should confer powers, with their scope clearly defined in law. It was decided that agriculture, cooperation, land development, settlement, education, health, industry, fisheries, housing, social services, electricity, irrigation schemes, and highways should fall under the jurisdiction of the Pradeshiya Sabhas. The precise boundaries of these powers will be set out in the law.
7. It was agreed that, concerning settlement schemes, the Pradeshiya Sabhas would have the authority to choose settlers to be granted land within their jurisdiction and to select the individuals to be employed in those schemes. The situation of the area currently overseen by the Kalloya Development Board should be investigated.
8. The necessary provisions in the law will be amended to transfer the powers vested in a Pradeshiya Sabha to the Ministry of Local Government and, if required, to Parliament.
9. A lump sum of funds will be allocated by the Central Government to the people within the Pradeshiya Sabha’s jurisdiction. The principles for calculating this amount will be discussed at a later time. The Pradeshiya Sabhas will also have the authority to levy taxes and take out loans.
தயாளன் மொழிபெயர்த்தார். / Translated by Dayalan.
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