[WEEK in Parliament]

TNA rally round Govt

The Government on Wednesday showed its utmost commitment to resettlement of the displaced in the North and East. While the TNA pledged its support to the Government's efforts.

This assurance and the Government's commitment was conveyed to the House by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa in response to a statement made by the TNA Leader R. Sampanthan on the plight of Vanni civilians.

Minister Rajapaksa in his speech told the House, that Sri Lanka had set an example to the entire world as the only country which has resettled war displaced within a very short period. The Government was proud that TNA MPs could visit the North freely today, due to moves taken by the Government to defeat terrorism from Lankan soil. Minister Rajapaksa commented that people in the north are courageous and hard working. These people could stand on their own feet when the harvest of the next Maha season is yielded in March-April 2011. Until then the Government would provide all their requirements.

TNA Leader R. Sampanthan addressing a press briefing in the parliamentary complex on Wednesday said that the TNA was ready to work with the Government and to make a request to the international community to increase the assistance to Sri Lanka. "We are ready to make a joint request with the Government to the international community to send more aid for the displaced. Aid coming to the North and East can also be used to develop the Sinhala areas too".

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne presented the Appropriation Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, where in total estimated government expenditure for the financial year 2010 stood at Rs. 974,748 million. The biggest allocation for the year 2010 is made for the Defence Ministry amounting to Rs. 202,217 million. The amount allocated for the Economic Development Ministry was Rs. 60,836 million while Rs. 66,482 million was allocated to the Finance and Planning Ministry.

The motion moved by the Prime Minister to extend emergency regulations by another one month was passed with a majority of 68 votes. The UNP together with the TNA voted against the motion. However, UNP Kandy district MP Abdul Cader voted in favour of the motion.Presenting the motion the PM said "Most security restrictions have been removed by the Government. But the importance of taking measures to prevent any future activities of the LTTE must be stressed. Even today some international organisations attempt to give life to this dead organisation".

UNP MP, Joseph Michael Perera joining the emergency debate said "The Government attempts to celebrate Victory Day by keeping the true liberator of that victory in prison. Government reduced taxes on luxury vehicles. Is this the requirement of the country today?"

UPFA National List MP J.R.P. Sooriyapperuma said that the silence of guns does not really mean end of the war. A large number of NGOs still support the tiger movement. As a result a second front has come against us which also must be defeated.

DNA MP Sarath Fonseka stressed that there is no real danger to the country as there is no terrorism within the country. The law should be used properly. At present the state of emergency is used to arrest MPs. If law and order cannot be maintained the prevalence of emergency would be useless.

UPFA National List MP A.H.M. Azwer who interrupted to Fonseka's speech said that the JVP was driving Fonseka to the bottom of the grave.

Construction and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa responding to Fonseka's speech queried why Fonseka couldn't ask his son-in-law to appear before courts. If his son-in-law is not responsible for any fraudulent transaction, why is he hiding without appearing before courts?

Minister Weerawansa commenting on the tenure of the President informed the House that the constitution will be changed to enable the President to stay in power as long as he is wanted by the people. The constitution would be changed to make the way for the President to serve the nation ten times if the people so wish.

UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera said that the Armed Forces have already won the war. We don't want to see terrorism ever raise its head again nor see our country divided.

Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka told the House Saturday. This can be described as the country's most peaceful era. The guns have been completely silenced. Everybody should unite to make and turn Sri Lanka the wonder in Asia.Public Administration and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Dilan Perera said the JVP is going behind a person who really doesn't know the difference between Parliament and the Army. Some Opposition MPs attempt to play the role of clowns. However, all new MPs have realised that everybody should unite irrespective of political differences."

MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a special statement on CEPA. Government MPs interrupted his speech. Industrial and Commerce Minister Bathiudeen the House that the Government had not yet arrived at a final decision in relation to the signing of CEPA. The Government will discuss this with interested parties before arriving at a final decision.

Deputy Finance Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the Government reduced taxes of 12 special commodities. Incurring a Rs. 6320 million loss. He requested the Opposition not to distort information on concessions given.

UNP MP Kabir Hashim questioned why the Government didn't reduce the prices of essential goods. If the Government shouts to buy ciya rate de (indigenous products), there is not even a single place to buy them.

Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena responding to a query raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake said the Government was in dialogue to continue the GSP Plus which the UNP attempts to block by propagating various falsehood. At present a large number of investors are coming to Sri Lanka owing to the stable political situation in the country. Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama endorsed this comment and informed the House that billionaire businessmen, the Ambani brothers come to Sri Lanka to seek possibilities of investing here. This is a good sign despite the bleak picture the Opposition attempts to portray.Dr. Amunugama responding to a query raised by Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga on three wheeler tax, said he was having some regrets whether the UNP will also turn into a three wheel party.

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa made a surprise visit to the press room in Parliament on Friday and pledged to provide facilities to journalists to perform their duties without hindrance. It was the first time in Parliament's history that a speaker had visited the press room in Parliament. The Speaker has decided to allow parliamentarians to bring their laptops into Parliament.

Government members on Friday objected to debate the private members' bill moved by the UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake which stated that the President and the Prime Minister should be prevented from holding ministerial portfolios. Arguments were made between the Government and the Opposition on this issue. Minister Gunawardena raising a point of order said the motion could not be debated as the conduct of the President cannot be debated according to Standing Order 78 of Parliament.