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[WEEK IN PARLIAMENT]
Friendly banterthe order of the day
President Mahinda Rajapaksa showing the Government's utmost
commitment to restore democracy and pass the peace dividends to the
people moved the resolution in Parliament on Thursday to lift the
emergency regulations, paving the way for more democracy under normal
law.
The President's decision taken to lift the Emergency put an end to
nearly six years of rule which governed the country under the special
law and opened avenues to change the entire political scenario in the
country locally and internationally. Lifting the emergency was another
perfect example set by the President to the entire world as a leader who
fulfills his promises as pledged for the well-being of the people. The
President in his declaration made in Parliament informed the House that
he is satisfied that there is no necessity for emergency regulations any
more to govern the country.
President in his special statement made in Parliament described the
building up of a close coordination between the Executive and the
legislature as one of the most important tasks to be fulfilled at this
juncture on behalf of the country which was free from the threat of
terrorism. The President was confident of the close relationship between
the Executive and legislature would lead to further strengthening of
country's democracy, good governance and ensure the people's confidence
on Parliamentary democracy.
President in his speech explained to the House the ground realities
which led the UPFA Government to re-introduce the emergency in 2005 due
to the continuous violations of the Ceasefire Agreement by the LTTE and
the rapid increase in the wave of their ruthless killings which Foreign
Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and hundreds of innocent people at
Kebithigollewa became victims.
The President pointed out that it was for the first time, an unique
opportunity has been created to find solutions to the country's problems
within a democratic framework without any threat of terrorist
activities. The President requested all Parliamentarians to dedicate
themselves to make use of that opportunity on behalf of the country
through Parliament. Except some occasional disruptive incidents taking
place, no terrorist activity has not been reported in the country since
the day of eradication of terrorism. During this period, the Government
has been able to conduct several elections by leading the country
towards more democratic form of governance. The people have fully
endorsed these elections which were conducted in a free and fair manner.
President in his speech also made certain remarks as how peace dividends
has led the country to achieve a significant economic growth in relation
to several key sectors.
After the President wound up his speech, Opposition Leader Ranil
Wickremesinghe thanked the President for making that important statement
in Parliament to lift the emergency. He told the House that he would
consider this as a beginning. The Leader was of the view that
discussions can be commenced to find out solutions for the problems
faced by Tamils as the national harmony has been created within the
country.
The issue on the development of the Colombo harbour came into light
due to certain remarks made by the Chief Opposition Whip, John
Amaratunga during the debate on order under the Ports and Airports
Development Levy Act. Amaratunga made the point that the Government is
not in keeping with the latest development in the shipping industry. He
was of the view that the Government would have developed the Colombo
harbour before the construction of a new harbour at Hambantota. Senior
Minister for International Monetary Cooperation Dr.Sarath Amunugama who
responded to the MP replied in a lighter vein 'Rome was not built in a
day' and Amaratunga should realise that Colombo harbour is being
developed now and the construction of its breakwater has already been
completed.
Parliament sittings ended abruptly on Tuesday after at least 10
Government and the Opposition MPs who were listed to speak at the debate
under the Ports and Airports Development Act Levy were not present in
the House. Therefore Speaker adjourned the House and called on the UPFA
MP Arundhika Fernando to move his adjournment motion but he too was
found to be absent. Hence the sittings concluded at least four hours
before the usual time of adjournment.
Deputy Finance Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena who responded to a
question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake, in a state of emotion
informed him the country which faced a severe catastrophe over the past
three decades has now entered into a rapid development path as the peace
has been restored in the country. The Deputy Minister explained how even
IMF, World Bank and other international lending agencies have fully
endorsed this significant development taken place in Sri Lanka. He told
the MP the intention of the Government is to construct new airports and
harbours by turning Sri Lanka into a well developed country.
When certain questions were raised by MP Karunanayake, UPFA MP
A.H.M.Azwer who made a point of order informed the Speaker that the MP
is violating the standing orders of Parliament and requested to conduct
a class to teach him standing orders. Karunanayake who also responded to
Azwer and told him that every circus has a clown and Azwer does it to
the best of his ability.
The UNP MP Buddhika Pathirana in a question asked from Construction
and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa, alleged the National
Housing Development Authority (NHDA) attempts to recover the housing
loans from the innocent people by throttling them. Minister Weerawansa
who responded to the MP said 'The NHDA will not recover loans from the
people in the manner as how you throttled your leader'.
An interruption made by Minister Wimal Weerawansa when a question
raised by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekera from Deputy Economic Development
Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena led MP Jayasekera to make certain
remarks about Minister. When Minister Weerawansa cautioned about the
presence of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Jayasekera replied
the Minister should not be worried and that he is mindful of his
dealings with the Opposition Leader. The MP told the Minister that he
had to be careful of his arch-rival, the Kelani Valley Mayor who was
there. The MP told the Minister in a lighter vein 'Remember you had your
Waterloo when you tried to reverse his ageing process'. |
