Week in parliament

Ding-dong over two-thirds majority

The Government seeking a two-thirds majority at the upcoming General Election was turned into a key issue at Tuesday's emergency debate in Parliament where the Government members stressed the importance of giving a two-thirds majority to the Government to change the Constitution and introduce necessary electoral reforms.

However, Opposition members during their speeches said the Government called upon the people to give a two-thirds majority to further consolidate its power. They also expressed their displeasure on the initiatives taken by the Government to extend the emergency regulations as terrorism has been eradicated.

Parliament reconvened on Tuesday (March 9) to pass the emergency which the House routinely approved every month. The President reconvened the Parliament which was dissolved to vote on the extension of emergency regulations for reasons of national security.

NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa said the President and his Government has fulfilled promises unfulfilled by all former Presidents. Therefore, the Government would definitely obtain a two-thirds majority at the General Election. The President successfully ended the task of defeating terrorism. But the present Government is requesting the people to give two-thirds not to commit undemocratic moves committed by the UNP Government. "We urge the people to give two-thirds only to take decisions for the betterment of our society."

He said the President obtained 58 per cent of the votes at the last Presidential Election. Those who attempt to show this result as a computer gilmaat will be fully disappointed after the Government obtains a two-thirds majority at April 8 General Election.

According to Weerawansa the UN commenced levelling various allegations against Sri Lanka following the statements made by the Common Opposition Presidential Candidate Sarath Fonseka during his Presidential Election campaign. Today the Opposition attempts to show the arrest of Sarath Fonseka under the military law as a wrong move. But he has been given special facilities not given to any other person in military custody.

"The JVP attempts to climb the greasy pole with Sarath Fonseka to rescue itself from the severe political crisis they face today." The JVP-Fonseka alliance has been turned into an utter failure. The JVP has let down its founder Rohana Wijeweera and they have brought Sarath Fonseka into the scene.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka moving the motion to extend the emergency said certain elements who do not respect the sovereignty of our country are still in operation to destroy the territorial integrity of our country. "We are not second class citizens of any country. But certain elements in our country still think in that manner. The policy of the Government is to act with other countries in a friendlier manner."

He said world super powers and some international organisations have launched a program against our country. It is regrettable to note that some people in our country are also providing information to them. Due to such attempts made earlier, the country has been subjected to the pressure of various foreign countries. Even today, pro-LTTE elements are being operated in some countries to strengthen the LTTE.

The motion moved by the Premier to extend the emergency was passed by a majority of 69 votes in Parliament. All the constituent parties of the UPFA including the NFF, JHU and CWC voted in favour while the TNA, UNP and JVP voted against.

Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera requested the Speaker to restore the security provided to MPs after Parliament reconvened following its dissolution. The security given to the Opposition MPs had been withdrawn after the House was dissolved on February 9. But he pointed out that with the House being reconvened they should have their security restored.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama joining the debate said the Government is willing to answer the queries raised by the international community on Sri Lanka in a friendly manner. But the Government is not ready to take any move which would cause any harm to the country's sovereignty.

The Minister said President Rajapaksa has always said that the space created by the success of the operations against terrorism, would be used to advance the political process. The Government is aware that the process of national recovery requires the repair of the infrastructure damaged during the conflict, as well as the grief that may exist in the mind.

Towards this end, we have resolved to institute a mechanism for accountability and closure, based on our own concepts and targeted to achieve what Sri Lanka needs.

Minister Bogollagama said India opted to send a very distinguished official of the calibre of their Foreign Secretary to Sri Lanka in the wake of the decisive electoral victory by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. This sends a very clear message. The Indian Foreign Secretary reiterated the warm felicitations of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to our President on his success.

President Rajapaksa's vision is for Sri Lanka's rapid growth in the current post-conflict situation. This vision therefore provides a very conducive atmosphere for a most dynamic period of growth in our bilateral relationship with India.

Plantation Minister D. M. Jayaratne said as a nation, we should be proud about the statement made by the President to the UN Secretary General. We should consider why the UN Secretary General intends to introduce rules and regulations only to Sri Lanka. In national issues, we all should be united. It is the responsibility of both the Government and the Opposition members to further safeguard the prevailing situation. The extension of emergency is essential in this regard.

JVP member Sunil Handunnetti said whatever political view is represented, politicians should be able to engage in his politics without any hindrance.

At present even the Government MPs cannot engage in politics. We should not undermine the people's confidence placed on democracy, he said.

Labour Minister Mervyn Silva responding to a statement made by Handunnetti said that none of the candidates contesting under the Trophy symbol would be elected to the next Parliament. The Minister said he would not attend the sessions of the next Parliament if at least a single member is elected from the Trophy symbol.

TNA member K. Thurairetnasingam stressed the importance of introducing a reasonable solution to the national question. The President should win the hearts of the minorities as well.

UNP member Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena said equal privileges should be given to all Parliamentarians who contest the General Election. However these privileges have been restricted to Government members. Political opponents are subjected to harassment. During the past, the security provided to Opposition MPs was never removed.

JHU member Ven. Athureliye Rathana Thera said the country has been freed from three decades old terrorism. Therefore steps should be taken to develop the country politically and economically. A 'friendship bridge' should be created between Sinhala and Tamil society.

Steps should be taken to produce patriots from the Tamil society, not nationalists.