Tibetan Parliament spokesperson Mr Tenzin Norbu said prime minister Kalon Tripa’s responsibilities will now include the selection of representatives and special envoys to hold talks with China.
Most of the Dalai Lama’s executive powers now rest with Mr Lobsang Sangay, the 43-year-old Harvard scholar and international law expert, who was elected prime minister (Tibetan: Kalon Tripa) of Tibet early in April.
He is also empowered to endorse or promulgate legislation and regulations approved by the parliament. Mr Norbu said some of the Dalai Lama’s powers have also been devolved to the Parliament and the judiciary.
The Dalai Lama has endorsed constitutional amendments to relinquish his powers as administrative and political head of the Tibetan Government-in-exile in favour of a democratically elected leadership.
The formal devolution of executive powers on Sunday also means the end of the council of regency which was hitherto empowered to assume the role of the Dalai Lama when he was not available to serve as head of state.
Other constitutional amendments endorsed by the Dalai Lama in his final executive action include changing the title “Tibetan Government-in-Exile” to “Tibetan Administration”.
A spokesman also clarified that while none of the duties accepted by the Tibetan spiritual leader are binding on him he is expected to continue engaging with world leaders on behalf of his people.